About
Rhopalostylis sapida, the nikau palm, is a slow-growing feather palm to 6�10 m with a trunk covered in grey-green leaf scars, a smooth, bulging, glossy-green crownshaft and a shuttlecock crown of feathery leaves 1.2�1.8 m long. Lilac-cream flowers are followed by oblong, deep-red fruits taking almost a year to ripen. A magnificent and stately architectural palm for a frost-free garden or large conservatory.
About the genus
Rhopalostylis, the nikau palms, are elegant feather palms from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands producing tall trunks topped with distinctive green crownshafts and crowns of arching, feathery fronds. Grown as architectural specimen plants in frost-free gardens and large conservatories.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typePalms
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toN & C New Zealand, Chatham Is.
Care notes
CultivationGrow outside in mild, humid, frost-free gardens in moist soil in partial shade, with shelter from wind and direct sunlight - for more advice, see palm cultivation outdoors; elsewhere grow in a cool glasshouse in bright but indirect light with adequate ventilation in a peat-free potting medium formulated for indoor plants - for more advice, see palm cultivation indoors
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, as fresh as possible, which will usually germinate within two or three months
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, mealy bugs and sometimes glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free