Overview
Butia paraguayensis is a columnar upright palms in the genus Butia, part of the Arecaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Butia paraguayensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, sub-tropical, bedding, conservatory and greenhouse and flower borders and beds.
About
Butia paraguayensis is a robust, columnar upright palm from South America, belonging to the genus Butia known for its arching, grey-green leaves that often droop. This evergreen palm thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered aspect such as south, east, or west-facing positions. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained soils including loam, sand, chalk, and clay, with a pH range from acid to alkaline. Suitable for a variety of garden styles, it offers architectural interest during spring and summer and is hardy to UK zone H3.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Butia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Butia paraguayensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Palms
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Bedding, Conservatory and greenhouse, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Butia paraguayensis
- Propagation
- Sowing seed at 25°C in spring
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Butia paraguayensis?
Butia paraguayensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Butia paraguayensis need?
Butia paraguayensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand, chalk and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Butia paraguayensis hardy in the UK?
Butia paraguayensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Butia paraguayensis?
Sowing seed at 25°C in spring.