Cycas revoluta

Native Range: Islands of southern Japan

Sun/Shade: Full sun or part-shade

Landscape Use: Proven long-lived performer, not as slow as often reported. Seems to look best with some afternoon shade and is a useful plant for a partly shaded area. May show a little sun-burn if planted in full sun during drought, without supplemental water.  Great around pools or anywhere you want that tropical look.

Size: Can eventually get up to 10 feet tall but is usually seen around two to three feet spreading out more wide and round than tall.

Type: Evergreen tropical that survives winter well, although will show some freeze damage that turns leaves yellow-white.  Puts on new fronds when old ones are cut off, anytime of year, and puts on many new fronds in mid to late spring.

Deer Resistance: Deer resistant once established. 
Drought Tolerance: Very drought tolerant but looks best with occasional watering.

Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement.

Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow to dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. Do not keep constantly wet.

Fertilizer: Looks even better with regular fertilization.

Maintenance Tips: Keep some of the lower fronds trimmed off to create a small trunk, about 6” inches high, to keep it looking neat yet still natural.  It will put on numerous babies from the base which can be dug out like large bulbs that will grow into new plants. But keep your gloves on because working with Sago Palms can hurt. You can create a longer trunk by continually removing the lower leaves. Regardless of how you choose to trim them, always remove discolored leaves so the plant can produce new ones sooner. When new fronds begin emerging in spring from the center, cut off all the old ones and the plant will look extra fresh and balance itself out fine.

Rating: Rates high as a landscape plant. 

Sago Palm