cycads and palms

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Cycads and palms have long captivated gardeners and landscape designers alike with their striking forms, lush foliage, and ancient lineage. These unique plants create an immediate sense of relaxation and sophistication in New Zealand gardens, giving both a tropical vibe and architectural drama. Whether you’re designing a subtropical oasis or seeking drought-tolerant statement plants for your landscape, exploring cycads and palms can transform your outdoor living space. This page is your guide to discovering the beauty, care, and uses of cycads and palms, with recommended species that thrive in Kiwi gardens.

Cycas revoluta

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Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, or Japanese Sago Palm, is an impressive and popular, small Palm tree. It grows with a fibrous trunk which is topped with a whorl of feathery, dark green fronds held with a gentle arch as it grows to 3 m tall and the same wide. Cycas revoluta makes an excellent specimen and is commonly added to tropical plantings, maintained in a container, planted around a pool or other outdoor living areas, or added to a mixed planting.

Buy Cycas revoluta

From $134.93

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Palms

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical

Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues. Older foliage sits as a rosette with a downward arch and is dark green. The combination of old and new foliage produces quite a dramatic display and affords the tree a lush appearance. Clusters of small, cream flowers in spring result in purple berries in autumn. It typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of moderate frost once established. This evergreen is typically grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, maintained in a courtyard garden, included in a tropical garden, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Buy Daphniphyllum macropodum

From $343.89

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beaucarnea, Cordyline, Cycas, Daphniphyllum, Dracaena, Dypsis, Howea, Phoenix, Rhopalostylis Syagrus and Trachycarpus, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Indoor Plants, Palms, Cycad Palm Trees and Evergreen Trees.

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What Are Cycads and Palms?

Although cycads and palms thrive in similar conditions and share a dramatic, palm-like appearance, they come from separate plant families. Cycads are ancient seed plants dating back over 200 million years. They have stiff, feathery fronds and are celebrated for their prehistoric charm. Palms, in contrast, are more modern and vary widely in shape, from towering trunked species to compact clumping forms. Both cycads and palms add structure and interest, serving as extraordinary focal points in gardens and public spaces.

Popular Cycads for New Zealand Gardens

Many cycads are perfect for New Zealand’s climates, ranging from coastal north to cooler southern regions. Some of our favourite recommendations include:

Macrozamia communis (Burrawang Cycad): A hardy, low-maintenance cycad native to Australia, ideal for creating lush under-storey plantings or container displays.
Macrozamia moorei (Moores Cycad): Known for its graceful, arching blue-green foliage and resilience, making it highly sought-after for statement landscaping.
Lepidozamia peroffskyana (Cycad): With long, glossy fronds, this species offers a subtler look perfect for both coastal and forest settings.
Cycas thouarsii: A fast-growing cycad prized for its lush, broad leaves and ability to adapt to a wide range of soils.
Cycas revoluta: Also known as the Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta is beloved for its symmetrical rosettes and versatility in smaller gardens and indoor spaces.

Palm and Cycad Uses in the Garden

Cycads and palms are valued not only for their distinctive aesthetics but also for their practical benefits. Use them as bold specimen plants, create layered tropical plantings, or incorporate them into courtyards for year-round greenery. Many cycads, including Macrozamia communis (Burrawang Cycad) and Cycas revoluta, also perform well in pots, making them suitable for patios and entrances. Their tough nature means many cycads tolerate dry periods and coastal winds, while their slow growth is perfect for low-maintenance gardening.

Growing Tips for Cycads and Palms

Most cycads and palms prefer free-draining soil and a sunny to partly shaded site. Shelter young plants from frosts until established. Feed regularly with a slow-release fertiliser to encourage lush foliage and strong root development. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

For gardeners seeking resilient, architectural plants, our collection of cycads and palms offers a world of options for every style and location. Browse our recommended species above to start your own botanical journey.

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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.