Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

cycas palm tree

Looking for a striking, low-maintenance plant that brings a tropical flair to your New Zealand garden? The cycas palm tree is a favourite among landscapers and home gardeners alike. While not a true palm, the cycas palm tree is revered for its elegant feather-like fronds and robust, architectural form. Whether you're aiming to create a lush outdoor retreat or add sculptural beauty to pots and courtyards, the cycas palm tree is a versatile choice that thrives in New Zealand's temperate climate. Its slow-growing habit and tolerance of a range of soil conditions make it ideal for both novice and seasoned gardeners.

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana, commonly known as Queen Palm, Cocos Palm, or Cocos plumosa, is a Palm Tree grown for its impressive form and foliage. Large and lacy, arching, mid green fronds are borne off a single trunk. It grows quickly to reach 15 m tall with a spread of 7 m, performing best when planted on a well-drained site in full sun. Syagrus romanzoffiana is commonly used in tropical gardens, grown as a specimen, used in avenue plantings, or added to a mixed planting.

Buy Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

From $210.73

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Palms

Height: 15.00 m

Spread: 8.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical

Cycas revoluta

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

What is a Cycas Palm Tree?

Despite its common name, the cycas palm tree is not a palm but a member of the ancient Cycad family. These evergreen plants feature thick trunks and a crown of glossy, pinnate leaves. The most popular varieties in New Zealand include Cycas revoluta, also known as the Sago Palm, and Cycas thouarsii, known for its larger, softer foliage. Cycas palms grow slowly and can live for decades, making them an ideal investment for your garden landscape.

Planting and Growing Cycas Palm Trees

Cycas palm trees prefer a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They are highly drought-tolerant once established and can handle light frost, making them reliable performers across most New Zealand regions. When planting, leave ample space for their sturdy trunks and wide leaf span. Water regularly during the first year and feed with a balanced palm fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth.

Landscaping with Cycas Palm Trees

Whether used as a striking specimen plant or grouped for dramatic impact, the cycas palm tree offers immense design possibilities. Their bold shape and texture make them excellent focal points in tropical gardens, Mediterranean-themed yards, or even modern courtyards. For variety in your palm collection, consider pairing cycas palms with companion species such as Phoenix sylvestris (Silver Date Palm) or Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) to create layers of interest and movement.

Best Uses for Cycas Palm Trees

Cycas palm trees make outstanding feature plants in pots, borders, or poolside plantings. Their compact form suits urban gardens and small spaces, while their hardy nature allows them to thrive with minimal care. Mix cycas palm trees with lush underplantings for a rich, textured garden or use them to anchor gravel beds and rockeries. For coastal gardens, cycas palms adapt well to wind and salt exposure.

Related Varieties and Alternatives

If you're considering adding a cycas palm tree to your collection, explore distinct varieties like Cycas revoluta or Cycas thouarsii. For those who love palms, additional options such as Phoenix reclinata (Senegal Date Palm) or Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) deliver striking beauty and adaptability in New Zealand landscapes.

Why Choose a Cycas Palm Tree?

With its timeless appeal, superb adaptability, and unique look, the cycas palm tree is a stand-out choice for gardens big and small. Browse our collection to find the perfect cycas palm tree and complementary palms for your landscape, and enjoy years of lush beauty and easy-care elegance.

Contact us

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.