Pennsylvania Palm Trees

It would be very difficult to grow palm trees in Pennsylvania because of its cold winters. Pennsylvania lies in a humid continental zone, but due to the multitude of geographic features its climate differs. The interior of the state closer to the mountainous has a moderate humid continental climate, with cool to cold winters and hot, humid summers. It has more cloudy days and more snowfall. The Highland areas in the Appalachians are a little cooler with colder, snowy winters and somewhat cooler summers. The southeastern area has a humid subtropical climate with milder winters.

The average January temperatures range from 31-39°F (1-4°C) while average July temperatures are 80-90°F (26-32°C). The warmest temperature ever recorded was 111°F (44°C) and the lowest was –42°F (–41°C). Annual snowfall ranges from 21 in (53 cm) to 54 in (137 cm) depending on the location. The state is threatened by tornadoes and tropical cyclones. Pennsylvania USDA hardiness zones range from 5a to 7b.

Pennsylvania USDA Zones

Growing Palm Trees in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is too cold for palm trees. There is a small area in zone 7 that you can try to grow palm trees, but it is not going to be easy. With the high amount of snow each year, even cold hardiest palms will struggle. Here are some palm trees that can grow in zone 7:

More Palm Trees»

Major Cities in Pennsylvania

Allentown – Hardiness Zone 6b
Altoona – Hardiness Zone 6a
Erie – Hardiness Zone 6a
Lancaster – Hardiness Zone 6b
Philadelphia – Hardiness Zone 7a
Pittsburgh – Hardiness Zone 6b
Reading – Hardiness Zone 6b
Scranton – Hardiness Zone 6a
Wilkes Barre – Hardiness Zone 6a

~Susan Brian

P.S. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I do my best to answer them as soon as I can.

5 thoughts on “Pennsylvania Palm Trees”

  1. What types of hardy palm trees or subtropical plants can grow in an outdoor garden in Allentown,PA zone 6b if well protected in winter?

  2. We live in the Philadelphia suburbs. Which palm tree would work best for our climate? What special care is needed during the winter? do we need to water the tree during the winter?

  3. Can windmill palms and cold hardy needle and sago palms survive in a 6b zone year round? If not what others may there be?

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