Sabal
 
Sabal minor is a small palm like Rhapidophyllum hystrix, and it can be classified almost as high when it comes to hardiness. Both palms require warm and sunny summers, but Sabal minor is regarded to be more suitable for the Scandinavian climate, because of it's lesser demands for warm summers.

Sabal minor is native to the inland areas of the USA, where it is little precipitation and humidity. The Scandinavian amount of rain can be a problem for Sabal minor. It should therefore be planted on a well-drained spot, and where most of the precipitation will not reach the palm (like under a large tree). During the winter, the rain-exposure is recommended to be extremely small. Some places it could be wise to cover the whole palm to protect it against the hardest rainfalls.

There are many species in the Sabal-family. One that is worth mentioning is Sabal palmetto. Sabal palmetto needs as warm summers as Sabal minor, but demands considerable milder winters. The palm is regarded to be hardy down to -8°C. The cool climate makes this palm difficult to cultivate in Scandinavia. But it should stand a chance in the very mildest areas of southwestern Norway, and perhaps in the most favourable areas of southwestern Denmark. Sabal palmetto takes shape of a high and slim palm with a nice crown of leafs in the top. The palm can stretch itself to above 15 metres.

Sabal uresana should also be tested in Scandinavia. This palm from Mexico is reckoned to be hardier than Sabal palmetto, but less hardy than Sabal minor. It does not grow as tall as Sabal palmetto. But it needs warmer summers than Sabal palmetto. Sabal uresana does not like much humidity in the soil, which makes it very sensitive to rainfall. It should be planted on a very well drained spot, where it gets cover against the worst rain. The palm should be tested in warm and sheltered gardens in southwestern Norway and Denmark and in the southernmost areas of Sweden. Sabal uresana is probably a palm too exotic for Scandinavia, because of the complex demands, but it is worth trying in the mentioned areas.

Picture: Sabal minor, photo by www.thepalmshop.com