regular watering in summer and in sheltered
spots will produce larger leaves on longer
petioles,
giving it
a lusher
look.The
leaves
are deep
dark
green
with a
silvery
sheen
Trachycarpus fortunei
on the
underside.
Rhapis excelsa is a popular pot plant adorning
many offices, hotel
lobbies and living
rooms. It retains a
modest size and
bears low light levels
with grace.
Rhapis excelsa
tropical feel.
Raphis is a clumping
palm that looks a bit
like a hairy bamboo
and is great to plant
in shady spots,
under large trees or
on a patio for a lush
Water well in summer, but in shade it is fairly
drought tolerant. When planted in full sun its
leaves tend to turn a paler green and get brown
tips.
Copernicia alba is probably the only Copernicia
species that grows well in the Mediterranean. It
occurs naturally in the Gran Chaco region, an
area stretching from Colombia, Bolivia to Brazil,
Paraguay and Argentina in the South.
Raphis
This palm produces
greyish blue leaves
with a waxy surface.
The wax was used
by the ancient Indian
cultures to produce
candles (Carnauba
wax).
Trithrinax campestris This suckering palm
occurs naturally in the same area as the
Trithrinax campestris
Copernicia alba
Copernicia above. It has blue leaves and
looks much like a blue Chamaerops. Although
attractive, it is not child friendly due to its vicious
long sharp spines which can pierce even the
thickest gloves, so handle with care!
Pritchardia hillebrandii is a much friendlier and
spineless fan palm. It is native to Hawaii where
it’s called the Loulou lelo palm. Relatively fast
growing
and with
graceful
drooping
light green
leaves it is
an asset
to any
garden!
In spite of
its tropical
origin it
handles
Pritchardia hillebrandii
cold
surprisingly well, even taking a very light frost
when older. Water well during the hot summer
and you will be rewarded with an abundant
production of new leaves.
Brahea armata is another blue leaved fan palm.
This species grows naturally in the deserts of
Mexico and the Southwest of the US, and it is
incredibly cold, heat and drought tolerant. It
can be grown in any location, but prefers well
drained soils and a sunny position to be really
happy. This palm is medium sized, does not
grow too fast and is therefore a great palm for
smaller gardens.
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