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Royal Palm (Roystonea regia) growing in South Florida
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Royal Palm — South Florida Plant Guide

Roystonea regia

Family: Arecaceae · Palm

Landscape Uses

boulevardspecimenestate drivewaymedianright of waypoolside

Style Tags

tropicalresortformalflorida nativegrand scale

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full Sun

Water Requirements

Moderate4/10

Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.

Requires regular irrigation during establishment (18-24 months). Once established, moderate drought tolerance — irrigation 1-2x per week during dry season. Do not allow chronic standing water at trunk base.

Soil and Fertilization

sandylimestonefillloam

Fertilizer: 8-2-12-4Mg slow-release palm special (IFAS recommended)

Schedule: April and August. Palm special 8-2-12-4Mg.

Salt Tolerance

Moderate (6/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Mature Height
5080 ft
Mature Width
1015 ft
Growth Rate
fast
Water Demand
4/10
Florida Grade
Florida
Installed Cost
$$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
6/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Royal Palm at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Royal Palm grow in South Florida?

Royal Palm has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Royal Palm safe for pets?

Yes, Royal Palm is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA database.

How much water does Royal Palm need in South Florida?

Moderate water needs (4/10). Water deeply 2–3 times per week during establishment, then reduce to weekly once roots are established.

Can Royal Palm tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Royal Palm has moderate salt tolerance (6/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Royal Palm available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Royal Palm is classified as: allowed. Florida native — protected under Florida-Friendly Landscaping law.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Florida native — protected under Florida-Friendly Landscaping law. Preferred species for Miami-Dade boulevard and median projects.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

View County Guide →

Broward County

Allowed

Preferred boulevard species. No restrictions.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Protected

Heritage tree protections apply at large specimens. New plantings allowed.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Preferred for formal landscape projects in Naples.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Best in protected inland Keys locations.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.

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Ask about Royal Palm

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.