A palm tree in the ground can instantly give your garden a Mediterranean and exotic look. But not every palm is suitable for staying outdoors all year round. The palm species, location, soil, drainage and winter hardiness together determine whether planting one in the garden is advisable.
Hardy palm species, in particular, can grow in the ground for years under suitable conditions. A well-known example is the Trachycarpus fortunei, also known as the Chinese fan palm. This palm is widely used in gardens and can tolerate fairly low temperatures when planted in a suitable, sheltered spot.
Would you like to view different varieties first? Then discover Olivera Garden's palm tree range.
Palm tree in the ground: at a glance
| Feature | Advice |
|---|---|
| Suitable for planting in the ground | Yes, provided the palm species is hardy enough for winter |
| Best planting season | Preferably in spring |
| Location | Sheltered, sunny to partially shaded depending on the species |
| Soil | Fertile and well-draining |
| Drainage | Very important, especially during wet winters |
| Planting depth | Do not plant unnecessarily deeper than the existing root ball |
| Watering after planting | Water thoroughly and continue to check moisture levels |
| Fertiliser at planting | Do not over-fertilise |
| Winter protection | Depending on the species, age and weather conditions |
| Root space | More than with a potted palm |
One major advantage of planting in the ground is that the roots will eventually have much more space than in a planter. At the same time, you cannot simply move the palm during extreme winter weather. Choosing the right palm species and location is therefore particularly important.
Which palm tree can be planted in the ground?
Not every palm sold as a garden or patio plant is automatically suitable for permanent outdoor planting.
One of the best-known choices for our climate is the Trachycarpus fortunei. This Chinese fan palm prefers well-draining, fertile soil in a sheltered spot in the sun or light shade.
Would you like to know more about this species? Then read everything about the Trachycarpus fortunei.
Other palm species can be considerably less hardy. Therefore, before planting, look not only at the appearance of a palm but especially at the characteristics of the specific species.
Unsure which palm is suitable for Dutch winters? Then also check which palm tree is hardy in the Netherlands.
When is the best time to plant a palm tree?
Spring is generally the best time to plant a hardy palm in the ground.
This gives the plant a full growing season to develop new roots before the first winter. Olivera Garden also recommends planting hardy palms in spring, so the palm has enough time to establish itself before winter.
I would therefore prefer not to wait until just before the first frost to plant a young or unestablished palm.
A palm that has been growing in its location for months will simply be in a better position when winter arrives than a specimen that has just been removed from its pot.
What is the best location for a palm tree in the ground?
Preferably choose a sheltered location.
A spot protected from harsh, cold wind is beneficial because large palm fronds catch a lot of wind. Cold, drying winter wind can damage the leaves in particular. Many popular garden palms also need sufficient light. Trachycarpus fortunei can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
Also take future size into account. A young palm may still be compact at the time of purchase, but some species can eventually grow quite large.
Therefore, do not place it too close to a wall, fence or other large tree.
Why is drainage important when planting a palm tree?
Drainage may be one of the most important considerations when planting a palm in the ground.
A palm hardy enough for low temperatures can still experience problems if the roots remain in very wet soil for extended periods. Palms in wet root conditions can be more susceptible to winter damage.
Do you have heavy clay soil that easily retains water in winter? Then it is wise to assess the soil structure and drainage before planting.
Want to know more about water, fertiliser, drainage and winter protection? Read our complete guide to caring for a palm tree.
How do you plant a palm tree in the ground?
Planting a palm tree does not have to be complicated, but work carefully. Especially with larger specimens, you want to prevent the palm from being planted too deep or becoming unstable after planting.
Step 1: choose the right location
Check that the location is sufficiently sheltered and that excess rainwater can drain away well.
Step 2: loosen the soil thoroughly
Loosen the soil generously around the future planting site. This helps reduce compaction and improves the conditions for new roots to grow.
Step 3: dig the planting hole
Make the planting hole large enough for the entire root ball. Do not plant the palm unnecessarily deeper than it was in its original pot.
For trees and large shrubs, we also recommend loosening the surrounding soil generously and respecting the original planting depth.
Step 4: place the palm upright
Carefully remove the palm from the nursery pot and place the root ball in the planting hole. Check from several angles that the stem is upright before filling the hole further.
Step 5: fill the planting hole
Fill the space around the root ball with soil and press it down gently. Avoid compacting the soil excessively.
Step 6: water thoroughly
Water thoroughly after planting. This helps the soil settle better around the root ball and gives the palm sufficient moisture immediately. During the initial period, regularly check that the soil does not dry out.
Should you add potting soil or fertiliser to the planting hole?
More is not automatically better when planting.
It is tempting to fill a planting hole completely with very rich potting soil, compost and fertilisers, but this is not necessary. What is more important is that the palm tree is in suitable, well-draining soil and can develop new roots outside the original root ball.
You can apply fertiliser later during the active growing season when needed.
How much water does a newly planted palm tree need?
A newly planted palm needs extra attention because its roots have not yet fully grown into the surrounding garden soil.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting and regularly check the soil moisture during the initial period.
How often you need to water afterwards depends on the temperature, rain, soil type, wind and the size of the palm. Avoid both prolonged drying out and permanently waterlogged soil.
The latter is especially important during the colder months when evaporation and growth are much lower.
Does a palm tree grow better in the ground than in a pot?
A palm in the ground has one major long-term advantage: much more root space.
The roots can develop further, and the soil temperature and moisture supply are often more stable than in a relatively small planter.
If you are still choosing between planting in the garden and using a planter, also read everything about keeping a palm tree in a pot and discover what to look out for regarding pot size, drainage, watering and overwintering.
This does not automatically mean that every palm grows faster in the ground. The location, palm species, soil and care remain determining factors.
Would you like to know specifically what you can expect with a Chinese fan palm? Then read how fast a Trachycarpus fortunei grows.
How do you protect a palm tree in the ground during winter?
You cannot move a palm in the ground indoors. Therefore, it is wise to know beforehand how hardy your species is for winter.
Young and newly planted specimens can be more susceptible to frost than well-established plants. Prolonged frost, cold wind and wet roots can also increase the risk of damage.
In severe frost, winter protection may be advisable. Preferably use breathable materials and pay attention to the growing point and, where relevant, the root zone.
However, good winter protection starts with planting: the right species, a sheltered location and good drainage are more important than trying to solve everything afterwards with protective material.
Common mistakes when planting a palm tree
A number of mistakes are regularly seen when planting:
- planting a non-hardy palm outdoors permanently;
- choosing a very open and windy location;
- planting the palm too deep;
- not taking sufficient account of drainage;
- enriching the planting hole excessively with fertilisers;
- watering too little after planting;
- forgetting the final size of the palm;
- planting a young palm just before a cold winter.
By looking carefully at the species, soil and location beforehand, you can avoid many of these problems.
Buy a palm tree for the ground at Olivera Garden
Do you want to plant a palm tree in your garden? Then choose not only based on appearance and size, but also on winter hardiness and the conditions in your garden.
At Olivera Garden you will find palm trees in various species and sizes, from young plants to larger specimens with which you can instantly create a Mediterranean look.
Furthermore, a palm combines beautifully with olive trees and other Mediterranean trees and plants.
View the current range of palm trees at Olivera Garden and choose a palm that suits your garden and location.
Frequently asked questions about a palm tree in the ground
1. Can a palm tree grow in the ground in the Netherlands?
Yes, certain hardy palm species can grow in the ground in the Netherlands under suitable conditions. Trachycarpus fortunei is one well-known example. Choose a sheltered location and ensure good soil drainage in particular.
2. When is the best time to plant a palm tree in the ground?
Spring is generally the best time. The palm then has time during the growing season to form new roots and establish itself in its new location before winter.
3. How deep should you plant a palm tree?
Do not plant a palm unnecessarily deeper than it was in its original pot. The top of the root ball should be approximately level with the surrounding ground.
4. What soil is suitable for a palm tree?
This varies by palm species, but for many hardy garden palms, fertile and especially well-draining soil is important. Prolonged waterlogging around the roots must be avoided.
5. Should you water a palm tree thoroughly after planting?
Water thoroughly immediately after planting. Then regularly check the soil moisture, especially during warm and dry periods. The soil should not dry out completely for extended periods, but also avoid permanently wet roots.
6. Can a Trachycarpus fortunei be planted in the ground?
Yes. Trachycarpus fortunei is one of the best-known palms for planting in the ground in a temperate climate. The species preferably grows sheltered in fertile, well-draining soil and can fall into the H5 hardiness zone according to the RHS.
