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sago palm tree

The sago palm tree is an iconic landscaping plant that brings a bold, architectural statement to gardens throughout New Zealand. Renowned for its feathery, symmetrical foliage and adaptability, the sago palm tree is as popular in tropical-themed gardens as it is in modern outdoor settings. Whether you’re an avid plant lover wanting an eye-catching feature or a beginner gardener seeking a low-maintenance addition, the sago palm tree delivers beauty and character. Despite its common name, the “sago palm tree” is not a true palm, but rather an ancient cycad with impressive resilience and style. Read on to discover why the sago palm tree is such a compelling choice for New Zealand gardens.

syagrus-romanzoffiana-

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) is a graceful, fast growing palm known for its arching fronds and tropical appearance. This elegant tree adds height and movement to NZ gardens and is well suited to warmer regions. Ideal for feature planting and avenues, it creates a relaxed, resort style feel in outdoor spaces.

From $202.44

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: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) in a luxurious garden.

Cycas revoluta

5 from 1 customers

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.

From $248.92

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
Dypsis baronii (Sugar Cane Palm) with lush, green foliage.
Dypsis baronii

Dypsis baronii, commonly known as The Sugar Cane Palm, is a stunning plant which is well suited to smaller gardens. It is renowned for its multiple...

From$71.69
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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Syzygium australe

Syzygium australe, commonly known as Lily Pily, is a popular evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy foliage, colourful new growth, and...

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Rhopalostylis sapida palms growing as a cluster.
Rhopalostylis sapida

Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as Nikau Palm, is a fast-growing and beautiful Palm tree. From a central trunk, it produces large and broad...

From$30.29
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

From$425.89
Cordyline stricta plants growing in their native setting.
Cordyline stricta

Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush...

From$44.09
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Phoenix roebelenii

Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm) is an elegant palm valued for its fine, arching fronds and compact tropical appearance. The graceful green...

From$152.64
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.91
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$16.49
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
Large Dracaena draco (Canary Islands Dragon Tree) specimen trees.
Dracaena draco

Dracaena draco, commonly known as the Canary Islands Dragon Tree, is a striking, slow-growing evergreen ideal for New Zealand landscapes. It forms a...

From$638.89
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm)

Sabal palmetto (Sabal Palm) is a striking evergreen palm valued for its bold fan shaped foliage, sturdy trunk, and strong architectural presence. The...

OUT OF STOCK
Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' palm tree.
Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' (Atlas Mountain Palm)

Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' is a striking evergreen palm valued for its beautiful silver blue fan shaped foliage and naturally clumping growth...

OUT OF STOCK
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Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Fan Palm)

Chamaerops humilis (European Fan Palm) is a hardy evergreen palm admired for its attractive fan shaped foliage, clumping growth habit, and...

OUT OF STOCK
Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Cycas, and Dypsis, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Palms, and Cycad.

Search sago palm tree

What is a Sago Palm Tree?

The sago palm tree (botanical name: Cycas revoluta) is a member of the cycad family, loved for its low-growing, trunk-forming shape and lush, evergreen leaves. Native to southern Japan, the sago palm tree has been cultivated in gardens for centuries thanks to its unique prehistoric look and versatility. Although commonly referred to as a palm, the sago palm shares more characteristics with ferns and conifers than with true palm trees.

With proper care, the sago palm tree grows slowly to a manageable height—typically between one to two metres—making it suitable for pots, patio containers, and smaller garden beds. The deep green, feather-like foliage emerges in graceful rosettes, naturally complementing subtropical companion plants and standing out as a focal point in the landscape.

Growing and Caring for Sago Palm Trees in New Zealand

Sago palm trees thrive in warm, sheltered locations and cope well with a range of garden environments. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and plenty of indirect sunlight—while they tolerate full sun, partial shade can help avoid leaf scorch in exposed areas. These cycads are extremely drought-tolerant once established, but benefit from occasional deep watering in dry spells, especially during the first year.

One of the many advantages of the sago palm tree is its minimal maintenance regime. They rarely require pruning, are pest-resistant, and can be grown indoors in bright rooms or conservatories. When handling the plant, take care—the leaves and seeds are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Always use gloves when pruning and place them away from curious pets.

Sago Palm Tree Landscaping Ideas

The sago palm tree lends itself to a range of landscape styles. It pairs beautifully with tropical plants and makes an excellent companion to feature palms such as Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Fan Palm), Phoenix sylvestris (Silver Date Palm), and Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm). For a sophisticated avenue or border, plant sago palm trees in symmetrical rows or clusters. Their unique foliage structure also makes them a favourite for Japanese or Mediterranean-inspired gardens.

If you love the look of the sago palm tree, you may also want to consider Cycas revoluta for added visual impact, or explore striking date palms such as Phoenix reclinata (Senegal Date Palm) for a lush, layered effect.

Why Choose a Sago Palm Tree?

The sago palm tree’s timeless beauty, resilience, and adaptability make it an exceptional choice for Kiwi gardens—large or small. With its slow growth, low maintenance needs, and striking form, this ancient cycad continues to be a beloved focal point in contemporary and traditional designs alike. Explore our full range of palms and related species to find the perfect complement to your outdoor space.

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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.

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You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Corokia 'Bronze King' and Stromanthe Triostar, but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade', Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea', and Camellia 'Takanini'?
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