Rhapidophyllum hystrix - Spiny Fibre Palm

Palm from the South-East of the United States. Probably the most cold hardy palm! It grows in natural habitat in the woods. More cold hardy than any Trachycarpus and will survive more than 20°C below zero. 

This palmtree is becoming very attractive for countries like Denmark, Sweden, Poland and other countries were temperature can drop down to -15C. It has very sharp needles and it is a slow grower. Just like Sabals, Rhapidophyllum hystrix needs lots of sun in summer and high temperature just like in its natural habitat. But Rhapidophyllum hystrix copes better than Sabal with cold in combination with wet climate and that is why the Rahpidophyllum is excellent for Europe.