Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm)

Very slow-growing and long-lived, award-winning Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) is a palm-like evergreen perennial with a very attractive rosette of shiny, arching, pinnate leaves, up to 2-5 ft. long (60-150 cm), atop a rugged upright trunk. Each leaf is divided into many narrow, leathery, spiny-tipped, deep green leaflets adorned with revolute edges.

Very slow-growing and long-lived, award-winning Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) is a palm-like evergreen perennial with a very attractive rosette of shiny, arching, pinnate leaves, up to 2-5 ft. long (60-150 cm), atop a rugged upright trunk. Each leaf is divided into many narrow, leathery, spiny-tipped, deep green leaflets adorned with revolute edges. This plant is dioecious. Therefore, female plants will not produce seed without a nearby male. Mature male plants produce upright golden-brown, ovoid inflorescences. Female plants produce tight clusters of reddish fruits. Resistant to salt and drought, it can survive short periods at 15ºF (-9ºC). Popular as an ornamental plant throughout the world, it makes an eye-catching specimen and looks superb in a container.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows with an upright habit up to 3-10 ft. tall and wide (90-300 cm).
  • Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in part shade or bright light with some protection from full sun. Needs regular and consistent moisture with soil surface nearly drying between water applications. Appreciates a good mulch. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great for beds and borders, containers, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens or as a lawn specimen.
  • No serious disease or pest issues.
  • Propagate by seed or suckers.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to Japan, China.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 12

Heat Zones 6
– 11

Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Palms – Cycads, Perennials
Plant Family Palms – Cycads
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 3'
– 10'
(90cm
– 3m)
Spread 3'
– 10'
(90cm
– 3m)
Spacing 120″ (300cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden