About
A bushy, slow-growing palm, with several stems coming from the single stem, to a height of usually no more than 1.5m with glossy, fan-shaped leaves that are intense green and silvery grey beneath. The stems are very spiny, with spines up to 25cm in length. The sporadically produced flowers are purplish-brown and hidden by spines, followed by roundish, red to brown seeds on hermaphrodite and female plants.
About the genus
Rhapidophyllum is a genus of plants encompassing species that may be herbaceous, shrubby, or woody. They are grown for their ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruit, and vary in hardiness and cultural requirements
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade, Full shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typePalms
HabitSpreading branched, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSE USA
Care notes
CultivationGrows in a wide range of conditions, liking damp soil as well as tolerating some degree of drought. Shelter from cold winds and plant in part-shade or even full shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by removing and potting up suckers
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free