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Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm)

Ground Rattan, Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm, Miniature Fan Palm, Fern Rhapis, Rhapis flabelliformis, Chamaerops excelsa, Trachycarpus excelsa

AGM Award
Rhapis excelsa, Ground Rattan, Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm, Miniature Fan Palm, Fern Rhapis, Rhapis flabelliformis, Drought tolerant tree, Tropical Plant, Palm Tree

Reminiscent of bamboos, Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm) is a small evergreen palm with upright, slender, bamboo-like canes bearing delicate, glossy, dark green, fan-shaped leaves. Each leaf is about 20 in. long (50 cm), and is divided into 5-10 narrowly oblong lobes. The sturdy canes are covered with brown fibers which fall as the plant ages, revealing the bamboo-like trunks. In summer, small panicles of tiny yellow flowers are borne among the leaves. Lady Palm can withstand temperatures down to 18ºF (-7ºC). Slow-growing and ridiculously easy to grow, Rhapis excelsa is popular as a houseplant, lending a rich tropical look to the home. It is also useful as a foundation plant, in shady borders and quite effective as an accent in a shrub border.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 6-15 ft. tall and wide (180-450 cm). Will spread by rhizome offshoots.
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates close to full shade. Plants grown in direct sun tend to fade to yellow green and burn if not provided adequate moisture. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Excellent indoor plant. Plant in a loam-free compost in full light but with protection from strong sun. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter.
  • No pruning required.
  • No serious disease or pest issues. Keep an eye out for mealy bugs, scale and spider mites.
  • Propagate by seed sown at not less than 80ºF (27ºC).
  • Native from China to Vietnam.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 10 - 11
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Palms - Cycads
Plant Family Arecaceae
Genus Cycas
Common names Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Zamia pumila (Coontie)
Roystonea regia (Florida Royal Palm)
Coccothrinax argentata (Florida Silver Palm)
Acoelorrhaphe wrightii (Paurotis Palm)
Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto)
Dioon spinulosum (Giant Dioon)

Recommended Companion Plants

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)
Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Lily Turf)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 10 - 11
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Palms - Cycads
Plant Family Arecaceae
Genus Cycas
Common names Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Cycas to pick?
Compare Now

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