scrub palmetto

The Scrub Palmetto (Sabal etonia) is a drought tolerant plant, but regular watering in the warmer months is still necessary to provide the best growth and health for the plant. Watering should be done deeply every 10-14 days, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between each watering. During the summer, water may be needed more frequently if the temperatures are extremely hot. In the cooler winter months, water less frequently. Provide about 1-2 inches of water per application.

Scrub Palmetto requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day in order to maintain healthy growth. It prefers full sun, especially in the winter months when cooler temperatures limit the resistance of the plant to drought stress. During the summer months, providing some afternoon shade may benefit the plant’s health, especially if it is grown in more extreme temperatures.

Scrub Palmetto mainly relies on natural pruning and trimming due to the fact that it is able to reconstruct itself during the process. Pruning should be done during early spring before new growth starts to emerge. The amount of pruning depends on how densely congested the tree has become due to the presence of dead branches or reaching an excessive height. Generally, pruning should be done conservatively by removing no more than 25-30% of the plant's branches. When pruning, it is important to avoid removing any live stems. This species of palm is also vulnerable to pest infestations, so it is important to also check for any branches that may be showing signs of damage or disease and remove those to prevent any further spread.