To bring a touch of the tropics into your home and garden, bring the architectural beauty of palm trees into the space. The sturdy trunks and leaves of palms will bring structure to the garden, used as a focal point or within borders with a holiday style.
1. Chamaerops humilis (dwarf fan palm)
This bushy evergreen palm can grow up to 2.5m tall, with fan-shaped leaves that reach 45cm long. In a loamy soil, these palms are a common choice for many garden styles, especially Mediterranean-style gardens. Suited to coastal gardens as well as city gardens, these versatile palms are sure to add structure.
- Evergreen foliage
- Hardy through most of the UK
- Grows up to 2.5m tall
- Well-drained soil
- Partial shade
- Sheltered
2. Brahea armata (Mexican blue palm)
The striking blue foliage of this palm will contrast beautifully with other foliage plants in your garden. Resistant to sun, drought and cold winds, these low maintenance plants don’t demand too much, with no need for pruning.
- Evergreen foliage
- Hardy to about -8˚C
- Can grow up to 12m tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
3. Washingtonia filifera (American cotton palm)
Suited to large gardens, this big palm has a very sturdy trunk and long leaves that can reach up to 3 metres long! They are fast growers, so not the right fit for a small garden. Position them in shelter because wind can damage the leaves, and they are only hardy to around -5˚C.
- Evergreen foliage
- Hardy to about -5˚c
- Can grow taller than 12m
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
4. Trithrinax campestris (Caranday palm)
Next is a slow-growing palm that grows up to 6m tall. The leaves are tough and wind resistant, making them a good option for coastal gardens as well as gravel gardens and sub-tropical gardens too. When growing in the UK, ensure they get wind protection.
- Evergreen foliage
- Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK
- Grows up to 4m tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
5. Sabal minor (dwarf palmetto)
This is a hardier palm that’s small in size, and tends to be trunkless but can also be found with a small trunk too. The fan shaped leaves can grow to 90cm across. The shape and structure will bring ornamental interest to the garden.
- Evergreen foliage
- Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK
- Grows up to 2m tall
- Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
6. Howea forsteriana (kentia palm)
This elegant palm is the perfect houseplant to add soft greenery to your interior. Preferring a higher humidity, mist regularly, or place on a tray filled with gravel and water. The upright structure makes it a great addition without using up too much floor space.
- Evergreen foliage
- Prefers high humidity
- Grows up to 2-3m tall
- Moist but well-drained soil – water when top of the soil dries out
- Bright, indirect light
7. Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palm)
The Chusan palm is a popular pick as it’s a small tree, even suited to grow in containers to add architectural interest. As well as being grown as a patio plant, they can grow in conservatories or warm glasshouses too. When growing outside, they will need protection from winter frosts.
- Evergreen foliage
- Hardy
- Can grow up to 8m tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
8. Cordyline australis (cabbage palm) ‘Torbay Dazzler’
This foliage plant has spiky, variegated leaves to contrast with other foliage in the border or on your patio as a container plant. When mature, the plants can produce white blooms that have a sweet fragrance.
- Evergreen foliage
- Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK
- Grows up to 5m tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
9. Cycas revoluta (sago palm)
This isn’t actually a palm, it’s a cycad, but it’s palm-like foliage has a similar appearance. This is commonly grown as a houseplant but will appreciate a holiday into the garden during the summer. It can also be grown outdoors in milder regions of the UK.
- Evergreen foliage
- Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen
- Grows up to 1.5m tall
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Partial shade
- Sheltered
10. Phoenix roebelenii (miniature date palm)
In the UK, this can be grown outdoors and brought indoors for winter or grown as a houseplant year-round in a spot with bright, indirect light. The slender trunk and divided leaves will add elegance to the room where it can grow up to 2.5m tall.
- Evergreen foliage
- Can be grown outside in the summer
- Grows up to 2.5m tall
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
So, bring the elegance of palms into your home and garden for a touch of the tropics. Ensure they get the right care year-round, protected from winter winds and frost.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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