Queen palm safe plantingzone is 9b, the next zone south of Sumter.
Source, UF IFAS
Syagrus romanzoffiana: Queen Palm1
Timothy K. Broschat2
The queen palm is a popular feather-leaved palm with graceful arching leaves (Fig. 1). It is one of the hardiest of the tropical-looking palms, being suitable for planting in USDA plant hardiness zone 9B (>25°F). Queen palms are considered to be moderately tolerant of salt spray. They can reach heights up to 50 ft with a spread of 20–25 ft. The smooth gray trunk varies from 8–15 inches in diameter, depending on the seed source and environment, and may contain bulges. Large inflorescences of cream-colored flowers are produced from within the leaves in the canopy during spring and summer months. These are followed by bright orange, round to slightly elongated fruits between ¾ and 1 inch long (Fig. 2). Fruit drop is a major concern for queen palms because fruit clusters can weigh over 100 pounds and contain over a thousand seeds. These accumulate on the ground beneath the canopy, where some will sprout into unwanted seedlings (Fig. 3).
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