Royal Palm
Palm Overview
Botanical Name: Roystonea Regia
The Royal Palm is the ultimate symbol of tropical luxury, renowned for its striking beauty and stately presence. Reaching heights of 50 to 80 feet, this palm features a tall, smooth, columnar trunk topped by a vibrant green crownshaft and a full canopy of gracefully arching fronds that can stretch up to 15 feet long. Its symmetrical silhouette and lush foliage create an immediate sense of elegance, making it a favorite for high-end landscapes, resort entrances, and upscale residential properties. Beyond its dramatic appearance, the Royal Palm is surprisingly low-maintenance. It is self-cleaning—meaning old fronds naturally fall away—and it thrives in full sun with minimal care once established. Tolerant of heat, humidity, and a variety of well-drained soils, it adapts well to most tropical and subtropical environments. Whether used as a focal point or planted in rows to frame a grand entrance or driveway, the Royal Palm instantly transforms any space with its majestic tropical charm.
If you’re looking to make a bold and timeless statement in your landscape, the Royal Palm delivers unmatched beauty, stature, and sophistication.
Types of Cuts
Plant Characteristics
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 50–80 feet (15–24 meters) |
| Canopy Spread | 10–20 feet wide |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast |
| Form | Tall, single trunk with a symmetrical, rounded canopy; elegant and upright |
| Trunk | Smooth, light gray with a slight bulge at the base; topped by a bright green crownshaft |
| Fronds | Long, feather-like (pinnate) fronds that arch gracefully, reaching 10–15 feet in length |
| Foliage Color | Deep glossy green, adding rich tropical contrast |
| Leaf Arrangement | Symmetrically arranged in a full, rounded crown for a balanced and refined appearance |
| Texture | Sleek and smooth overall, with lush foliage providing soft movement in the breeze |
Environmental Needs
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun preferred; tolerates partial shade |
| Soil | Well-draining soil; tolerant of a variety of types, including sandy and loamy |
| Watering | Moderate; needs regular watering when young; drought-tolerant once established |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA Zones 10–11 |
| Cold Tolerance | Sensitive to frost; not suitable for freeze-prone regions |
Fruit and Flowering
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Small, creamy white flowers bloom under the crownshaft |
| Fruit | Oval, purplish-black berries attract birds; ornamental, not edible |
| Bloom Season | Typically spring to summer |
Uses
Iconic tropical presence perfect for luxury landscapes, resorts, and formal driveways
Self-cleaning trunk requires minimal pruning and cleanup
Highly wind-tolerant, making it great for hurricane-prone areas
Pairs beautifully with other palms or flowering tropical plants
Maintenance
Low maintenance and self-cleaning — old fronds naturally fall off, reducing the need for regular pruning.
Water regularly when newly planted; once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
- Protect from cold if temperatures drop near freezing, especially in Zones at the edge of its range.