Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck Palm)

Grown for its striking foliage color and texture, Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck Palm) is an evergreen palm adorned with a thick trunk topped by a broad rounded head of gorgeous, stiff, intensely steel-blue, fan-shaped fronds, 4 ft. long and wide (120 cm). The persistent leaf bases are split, creating an attractive pattern on the trunk. Easy to grow, Bismarck Palm is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The dark brown female inflorescences are followed by brown fruits about 1.5 in, across (3cm). Bismarck Palm grows rather slowly when young but once it develops a trunk, growth rate is more moderate. Easy to care for, Bismarck Palm can regrow from rare freezes to 25°F (-4°C). It has exceptional tolerance of high, dry heat and is perfectly adapted to the low desert areas. The bold texture and color and eventual great height of this species make a strong and dramatic statement in any landscape. Grow it where its stout trunk and incredibly beautiful canopy can show off – in rows along driveways or as a specimen plant in a lawn.

• Grows with an upright habit up to 40-70 ft. tall (12-21 m) and 10-15 ft. wide (3-5 m).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This species is not as resistant to windstorm damage as most other species of palms. It is highly drought tolerant and moderately tolerant of salt spray on the leaves.
• Bismarck palms can be pruned at any time of the year, but only completely dead leaves should be removed. Avoid cutting leaves that are only partially dead.
• No serious disease or pest issues. Keep an eye out for palmetto weevils (rhynchophorus cruentatus) and ganoderma butt rot.
• Propagated by seeds that germinate slowly over a period of 6 to 12 months at high temperatures (90-100°F or 32-37°C).
• Native to Madagascar.
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