Best 5 Palm Trees To Grow In Washington State

Last updated: February 22, 2026

The warmer zones of the state of Washington are the perfect location for planting palm trees. As a state, Washington has a soft atmosphere with the west district occupying a maritime atmosphere, whereas the east district is located in a more continental atmosphere.

This is due to the presence of the Cascade Mountains which separate the east and west districts. On a normal January day, the temperature in the western district ranges between 20°F (-7°C) and 48°F (9°C), while on a normal July day, it goes from 44°F (7°C) to 80°F (27°C).

Throughout the eastern district, the normal January temperature ranges from 8°F to 40°F (– 13°C to 4°C), while the average July temperature ranges from 48°F to 92°F (9°C to 33°C). 

The amount of snow during the year varies greatly from 11.4 inches to 49.4 inches (29 cm to 125.5 cm). It is typical for the state to experience some significant rainfall from October to March.

A temperature of 118°F (48°C) at any point in time has been recorded and the lowest temperature recorded was – 48°F (– 44°C). Approximately 104 square miles and 9 USDA toughness zones occupy the Washington state territory.

See also: best palm trees for Florida, best palm trees for New Jersey, and best palm trees for Alabama for more regional palm guides.

Cardboard Palm Tree

Unlike other varieties of palm trees, Cardboard Palm Tree has a unique, modern flair – its close-growing foliage and lush greenery makes it stand out from all the rest.

Also, due to their ability to survive and thrive indoors, you can benefit from a slice of island-inspired growth in the comfort of your own home.

As for Cardboard Palms, their growth is slow, and they are tolerant of neglect with ease.

Cardboard doesn’t matter if you don’t have a green thumb because it’s easy-to-manage habit and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for planting anywhere, from patio borders to your favorite container on the inside of your home.

Mexican Fan Palm Tree

Probably the most popular palm that can be grown rapidly is the Mexican Fan Palm.

It is a small palm that is able to grow tall and mature. Your garden will be transformed into a tropical paradise in no time when you plant a Mexican Fan Palm, which grows up to 5 feet per year.

A Mexican Fan Palm, also known as a Washington Palm, is characterized by gracefully curved leaves extending gracefully from the ends of the upright branches.

The fronds of this Mexican Fan Palm can be seen in a fan-like silhouette of lush, light green color, which draws the attention of both neighbors and visitors alike.

Despite their carefree nature, Mexican Fan Palms are capable of handling drought and harsh conditions in landscapes without a problem.

They do not require any attention other than planting and letting the sun and rain do their job. It won’t take you any effort to take care of the Mexican Fan Palm, because it’s fully maintenance free.

Fishtail Palm Tree

Thanks to its bi-pinnate leaves that resemble fishtail fins, the Fishtail Palm (aptly named) stands out among other trees.

Contrary to regular palms, the Fishtail Palm’s foliage is organized in a herringbone pattern as opposed to feather-like fronds.

The leaflets of this species are deep green, sprout from a common point on each branch, are identical to one another, and have full, feathery edges.

Fishtail Palms are clumping and multi-stemmed, giving them a unique appearance. This sets them apart from most other varieties.

Would that be even better? The weather is cold and difficult. The Fishtail Palm prefers temperatures above 55 degrees, but it is not troubled by low temperatures and is able to tolerate light frosts.

The Fishtail Palm is unique in that it can tolerate cold temperatures that many other palm trees cannot Basically, this sleek and hardy tree is tough and can withstand wind, droughts, and prolonged periods without direct sunlight.

Simply put, this handsome and hardy tree can withstand wind, drought, and extended periods without direct sunlight. It is self-sufficient and develops a lovely, semi-vase-shaped growth habit.

If you are looking for a palm that will add warmth and interest to your space – without extensive maintenance – look no further.

Jelly Palm Tree

The curving foliage of your Jelly Palm makes it easily identifiable. Featuring elegant gray/green-hued leaves that arch upwards and then inward toward the trunk, these leaves have a sweet and tart flavor that is reminiscent of pineapple, apple, and bananas (depending on soil conditions).

It is an excellent ingredient for jelly (hence its name). In addition to this, it is also fermented to produce a wine.

In addition to being disease resistant, it is drought tolerant and is not sensitive to cold temperatures.

There is a possibility that the Jelly Palm can live up to 80 years and is a great investment in a tropical palm that is easy to care for and sure to provide enjoyment for many years to come.

Canary Island Date Palm

Canary Island Date Palms are the number one palm planted by hotels and resorts due to their tropical beauty, which surprises and exceeds other palm varieties.

Having a single trunk that grows straight upwards, this canary palm variety has an attractive grey bark.

There are horizontal diamonds etched into the bark, indicating a textured surface.

This tree has been called the “Pineapple Palm” due to its pattern that resembles the skin of a pineapple.

An arching crown of fronds sits at the top of each Canary Palm, which is covered with broad leaf blades that provide the landscape with a rich, tropical appearance.

This palm is exceptionally colored in the spring when it displays large clusters of orange flowers that are followed by bright orange showy fruits in the fall.

In your landscape, this tall growing palm will create an impact with its massive size. It will attract the attention of all of your neighbors, and you will be able to see its vibrant colors from a great distance, inviting you to relax in the tropical paradise it creates.

Needle palms are characterised by needle-shaped foliage. They are vigorous shrubby plants. Deep green leaves are borne from a thin, textured trunk.

Originally from North America, the evergreen provides a unique display of greenery to enjoy throughout the year, no matter what the season.

In their full-grown form, these palms are rare and highly sought after. It is quite impressive when planted as the centerpiece of your front garden.

You can either watch it grow to great heights, or bring it indoors. Generally thought of as a household plant, this palm provides natural humidity and also purifies the air.

Using this species can help reduce carbon monoxide levels and restore freshness to the indoor air.

The Needle Palm is known for its cold hardiness and can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. It means that most of America can cultivate this tropical beauty outdoors and create an atmosphere of living on an island all year long.

Can You Really Grow Palm Trees in Washington State?

Yes — and many Washington gardeners already do. The key is choosing the right variety and the right location. Western Washington’s maritime climate, moderated by the Pacific Ocean, is genuinely suitable for several cold-hardy palm species. The Puget Sound region, Olympia, and the I-5 corridor enjoy mild winters with temperatures that rarely drop below 20°F — well within the tolerance range of the right palm varieties.

Eastern Washington is a different story. The Cascade Mountains block the moderating Pacific air, creating a continental climate with colder winters that can see temperatures below 0°F. Palm growing is not practical in eastern Washington without a heated greenhouse.

Most Cold-Hardy Palm Species for Washington

Not all palm trees are created equal when it comes to cold tolerance. These species are specifically chosen for Pacific Northwest conditions:

• Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei): The undisputed king of cold-hardy palms. Hardy to 5°F-10°F (-12°C to -15°C) and sometimes lower with protection. Grows slowly to 20-40 feet in mild climates. Tolerates rain and overcast conditions better than other palms — perfect for western Washington’s grey winters. Successfully grown outdoors in Seattle, Olympia, and even some sheltered spots in Bellingham.
• Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus wagnerianus): A compact relative of the Windmill Palm with stiffer, smaller fronds that resist wind damage better. Similar cold tolerance. Excellent for exposed sites in the Pacific Northwest.
• Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix): The most cold-hardy palm in the world — documented to survive temperatures as low as -5°F to -10°F. Low-growing (6-8 feet), forms a dense multi-stemmed clump. A realistic option even for colder parts of western Washington.
• Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens): A low-growing native of the Southeast that can tolerate temperatures to around 10°F. Works well as a large shrubby ground cover with a tropical feel.

Growing Tips for Palms in Washington State

Site Selection

• South or southwest-facing slopes or walls maximize sun exposure and winter warmth
• Walls of buildings act as heat sinks, staying warmer than open ground overnight
• Avoid low-lying spots where cold air settles — frost pockets can be several degrees colder than surrounding areas
• Sheltered locations away from drying winter winds are preferable, especially for young trees

Soil and Drainage

Drainage is critical — palms are far more likely to die from root rot in wet soil than from cold temperatures alone. Washington’s clay soils hold moisture; amend planting areas with coarse grit, pumice, or raised berms to improve drainage. Palms planted in soggy soil will struggle and be more cold-sensitive.

Winter Protection for Young Trees

Established Windmill Palms (5+ years old) typically don’t need winter protection in the Puget Sound area. Young trees in their first 2-3 winters benefit from:

• Wrapping the trunk with burlap or frost cloth
• Bundling the fronds together over the growing tip to protect the crown
• Mulching heavily around the base to protect roots
• Providing temporary overhead protection during ice storms, which can damage fronds more than cold temperatures alone

Key Takeaways

• Western Washington (Puget Sound region) has a climate suitable for cold-hardy palm species
• Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is the #1 choice for Washington — proven to thrive in Seattle and Portland
• Drainage matters more than cold hardiness — wet roots kill more palms than freezing temperatures
• South-facing walls and sheltered spots extend what’s possible in borderline areas
• Young trees need winter protection for their first few years until established
• Eastern Washington’s colder continental climate makes outdoor palm growing impractical

Frequently Asked Questions

Do palm trees grow naturally in Washington State?

No palm trees are native to Washington State — they evolved in tropical and subtropical climates. However, several cold-hardy species from China, Japan, and the Himalayas have proven they can thrive in western Washington’s mild maritime climate. The Windmill Palm is particularly well-established in the Pacific Northwest, and mature specimens can be found throughout Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia neighborhoods.

How fast do Windmill Palms grow in Washington?

Windmill Palms are slow growers — typically 6-12 inches of trunk growth per year in favorable conditions, even slower in Washington’s cooler climate. Don’t expect dramatic height increases year over year. The upside: they don’t outgrow their space quickly and are low-maintenance once established. A 5-gallon nursery plant will take 5-10 years to become a specimen worth noticing.

Where can I buy cold-hardy palms in Washington?

Several Pacific Northwest nurseries specialize in cold-hardy plants including palms. Look for Windmill Palms (Trachycarpus fortunei) at larger local nurseries throughout the Puget Sound area. Online mail-order nurseries that specialize in exotic or cold-hardy plants are another option. Avoid purchasing palms intended for Florida or California growing conditions — always verify cold hardiness ratings before purchasing.