Overview
Brahea aculeata is a columnar upright palms in the genus Brahea, part of the Arecaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Brahea aculeata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include architectural, sub-tropical and patio and container plants.
About
Brahea aculeata, known as the Sinaloa hesper palm, is a columnar upright palm native to Mexico and Central America. This evergreen plant features broad, fan-like foliage typical of the Brahea genus. It thrives in full sun with a south or west-facing aspect and prefers fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Suitable for sheltered locations, it is often used for architectural, sub-tropical, patio, and container planting. It is hardy under glass (H1C) and is best propagated by sowing seeds in spring at temperatures between 23-27°C.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brahea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Brahea aculeata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Palms
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brahea aculeata
- Propagation
- Sow seed at 23-27°C in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Brahea aculeata?
Brahea aculeata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brahea aculeata need?
Brahea aculeata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Brahea aculeata hardy in the UK?
Brahea aculeata has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Brahea aculeata?
Sow seed at 23-27°C in spring.