Shrubs

• Low-growing shrubs make attractive border plants. Select species with shallow root systems that won't compete with the palm tree's roots. The scaevola (Scaevola frutescens) grows to 10 feet tall with a similar spread. This evergreen has a rounded shape and dense foliage. It grows well in a range of site conditions, including coastal areas. The white indigoberry (Randia aculeate) grows to 10 feet tall and has spiny, glossy foliage. This evergreen blooms with aromatic white flowers, followed by white fruits. It prefers full sun and tolerates drought and rocky soil. Both shrubs are hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
  
  

Ornamental Grasses

• Ornamental grasses border pygmy palms well. These versatile plants rarely require pruning or fertilizer, as they grow to a maximum size. Hardy in USDA zones 9 to 10, fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) grows to 4 feet tall and has fine, light-green foliage. It produces tall pink-to-purple inflorescences from summer through fall. Fountain grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Sand cordgrass (Spartina bakeri) also grows to 4 feet tall, but can spread up to 20 feet. This salt- and drought-tolerant native has upright, multicolored foliage, is hardy in zones 8b to 11, and thrives in full sun to light shade and dry to wet soil.
  
  

Ground Covers

• Ground covers fill in empty borders around a pygmy palm. Their shallow, spreading roots prevent erosion and weed growth. Companion species include trailing gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides "Prostrata"), which grows up to 3 feet with a 6-foot spread. This evergreen has glossy, dark foliage and produces aromatic white flowers. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10 and thrives in well-drained soil and sun to partial shade. Caladiums (Caladium x hortulanum) are hardy in zones 8 to 11. Grown for their foliage, these 2-foot-tall plants come in a range of colors and have large, heart-shaped foliage. They grow well in partial shade but tolerate full sun with adequate irrigation.
  
  

Perennials

• Perennial beds create colorful borders around pygmy palms. Choose species that bloom at different times for constant color. The beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) blooms almost year-round in warm climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10 and grows to 4 feet tall. It produces yellow flowers with dark centers and has lustrous foliage. Beach sunflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. The scarlet salvia (Salvia coccinea) blooms from spring through fall with spikes of bright red flowers. It is hardy in zones 4 to 11 and grows to 4 feet tall in a vase-like shape. Scarlet salvia prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.