We regularly receive the question which palm tree will not grow taller than 6 tot 10 feet (2 to 3 metres) and whether growth can be limited. After all, not everyone has enough space for a huge palm tree and you want to avoid unpleasant surprises of course. In this article we will give you more insight into which types of palm meet your wishes, what you should pay attention to and which expectations are realistic.

Keeping small by pruning not possible

Unlike many other trees and shrubs in the garden, the growth of a palm cannot be controlled by pruning. The leaves are formed in only one place, in the heart of the palm and if you prune this you end up with a dead trunk without foliage. Some claim that you can limit growth by leaving the palm in a pot. This too is only partly true. The palm will indeed grow a bit slower but the growth will continue. Above all, it will look less beautiful and will need more attention in terms of nutrients and watering. This also applies to palms that are placed in pots in the open ground. It will not restrict growth but will cause problems later on due to reduced support because insufficient lateral roots were formed.

Pick the right species

There are over 4000 palm species but only a handful is really suitable to keep in the garden with a temperate climate. This is what we focus on in this article. For the sake of convenience, we also limit ourselves to those species that are easy to obtain. When choosing a suitable palm, it is advisable to look carefully in advance at what the right properties of the palm are and what exactly the needs of this type of palm are. The desired height of the palm can be such a wish, but also think of the hardness of the palm, the water needs,….

The following articles are certainly relevant here:

Palm trees care
What should I look for when buying a palm?
Can a palm tree be planted next to the pond/terrace?
How to plant a palm tree in your garden

Once you have an eye on a certain species, this article can give a realistic picture of the growth rate:

How old is my palm tree and how fast does it grow?

Below is a non-exhaustive overview of some common species and their characteristics, starting with 2 species that indeed more or less meet the demand of 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 metres) maximum height.

Chamaerops humilis

(full description)
The European fan palm is a small perennial species that grows more in shrub form because of the offshoots. It is hardy to -12°C/10.4°F and likes the drier sunny location. If there is too much moisture, it is particularly troublesome in winter, which is initially manifested by black dots on the leaves. It requires no special care and growth is rather slow. The leaf stalks have sharp spines, keep this in mind in places that are frequently walked past. Ideal for smaller gardens and also very suitable for pots on the terrace or balcony.

Trachycarpus fortunei

(full description)
The Chinese windmill palm is actually the palm of choice for almost any garden. Although the final height is about 12 meters it will take many years before the palm is actually that big. So don’t be put off by this. We estimate that the Trachycarpus at the very top of this article is at least 30 years old. The pictures below illustrate the effective growth best. It is striking that smaller planted palms grow much faster than palms plantend when they were already large. It’s an extremely easy palm that grows well in almost any place. It is hardy down to -18°C/-0.4°F and therefore doesn’t really need any real care. It grows best in open ground but can also be kept in pots if desired. Due to its narrower appearance it fits even in smaller gardens.

Alternatives

Possible alternatives to palms that do not grow too big too quickly and do not require too special care are

Jubaea chilensis

This palm grows very slowly and is therefore a lot more expensive. It is hardy to around -12°C/10.4°F but needs to be kept dry during more extreme winters. Although it can become very substantial over time, its slow growth makes it a beautiful palm, even for the medium sized garden.

Butia odorata

A beautiful palm that is hardy to around -12°C/10.4°F and therefore only needs protection during the colder winters. It grows relatively compact, which makes it easy to place even in the smaller garden. However, the palm is less common and is commonly sold under the name Butia capitata.

Less appropriate…

Phoenix canarienis

(full description)
The Canary date palm is often offered for sale as a small specimen in supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres. However, this is typically a palm that quickly becomes unmanageable in size. It grows relatively fast, especially once it’s really established in open ground but is only hardy to -6°C/21.2°F, so with the exception of very mild winters it always needs protection. A beautiful palm but only suitable for large gardens and mild climates or for enthusiasts who have no problems applying the protection which is a huge job once it’s bigger. It also does well in pots but will still continue to grow well, so the pot will become too small after a while. It can withstand root pruning so it can be kept in the same pot a little longer.

Washingtonia robusta

(full description)
The Mexican fan palm is another typical palm that often appears in advertising leaflets as a small specimen. However, it grows very fast and needs little specific care. Due to its limited hardness, – 4°C/24.8°F and its generous size after a few years, planting is only recommended for enthusiasts who know what they are getting into. Sooner or later it will become too big to protect and then a slightly harsher winter can be fatal.

© La Palmeraie

The popular Washingtonia genus counts three species. The W. filifera, the W. robusta and the hybrid W. filibusta. These are however very much similar, so only an practiced eye can really determine the species with certainty. In this article you will learn what characteristics you should look for to make the distinction. 

Filifera vs robusta

The most common species are the  Washigtonia filifera and the Washingtonia robusta. Both are the the most easy to separate from each other if you know what to look for. The filibusta is a bit more complicated, further on more about this species.

Nb. Young plants look very similar and are therefor harder to determine. This is why we mainly will show/discuss older subjects.

Petiole (base)

Filifera

Only slightly colored (reddish-brown), limited to the base.

Robusta

Strongly colored deep purple-brown on widely spread and continuing on the petiole. If the old petioles weren’t cut very short the coloring isn’t always that obvious.

Petiole

Filifera

Covered with spines but not as many and aggressive and placed more irregularly. They aren’t always colored as much. The last few cm’s/inches of the petiole close to the leaf base lacks spines (or the are negligible).

Robusta

Covered with spines, aggressive, placed regularly and colored. Especially those spines that continues all the way through to the leaf base is a strong characteristic.

Hastate and trichomes

Filifera

The hastate (the spear like end where the petiole meets the leaf) is relatively long and is not covered with hairs (trichomes) on the sides. (2nd photo).

Robusta

The hastate is shorter. On the bottom side of the leaf the hastate is also covered with hairs on both sides. (trichomes: see 2nd photo).

Leaf

Filifera

Off green color, leaf segments are deeply cut out, below the 50% mark.

Robusta

Deeply green, shiny, leaf segments are not cut out any deeper than the 50% mark.

Stem

Filifera

Proportionately and symmetrically formed.

Robusta

Irregularly shaped with a clear thickening at the base.

Total impression

Filifera

Remains more compact than the robusta.

Robusta

Looks impressive, voluptuous. Will be bigger than the filifera.

Washingtonia filifera

Washingtonia robusta

Filibusta

This species is a hybrid, or crossbreed, between the robusta and the filifera. Both species can carry the seed. The mother plant determines the type of hybrid. A filibusta type filifera is derived from a female filifera pollinated by a male robusta and vice versa.

© La Palmeraie

Thanks to its interesting features, the Trachycarpus is undoubtedly one of the most popular palms in our gardens. It is very hardy, grows relatively quickly, requires little care and is also easy to sow as well. Therefore, it is more and more found in every garden center. Usually, it is the Trachycarpus fortunei that is sold, even though its old name is still used. But also the Trachycarpus fortunei var. wagnerianus is on the rise. Because the genus Trachycarpus contains many species and varieties; hereby the most complete overview!

Mot popular species:

Trachycarpus fortunei (T. fortunei ‘Chusan’)

(old name: Chamaerops excelsa)
Most popular and most sold palmate palm tree. It really copes well with our cold and humid climate. It can be sown easily where it needs temperature no higher than 20°C (68°F) to germinate. During the summer months you can even sow it directly in the garden. In its early years it grows quite slowly but once the stem is formed it will pick up a faster growth rate. Recently “stripped” version are more often sold, where the stems were cleaned from the typical fibres. This  This pure aesthetic operation hardly affects its hardiness, but gives the palm a very different appearance. Stripping the stem can be down by yourself as well.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus fortunei var. wagnerianus

(old name: Trachycarpus wagnerianus, but recently corrected to a variety of the fortunei)
Very popular palm that has been on the rise in recent years. He is well resistant to cold and humidity and can therefore be well planted in the garden. Its stiff fronds makes it more resistant to wind. In addition, it takes up less space than the fortunei, making it also very suitable for smaller gardens or the terrace. As a young palm it grows slowly but has a nice “bonsai” look. As a result, it is quite popular as a container plant. Once bigger, the growth rate is approximately equal to the fortunei. Some claim that the wagnerianus is a little less hardy than the fortunei, but not all hobbyists share this opinion.
Hardiness: -16°C / 3,2°F

Less known species (or not officially accepted as species):

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Darjeeling’

A variation to the popular fortunei, but native to the Darjeeling region in the north-east of India. The fronds are a bit more compact and stiff.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Hasan’

The stem is quite similar to the T. fortunei ‘Tesan’ but the fronds are smaller and brighter green colored. The stem fibers come off easily.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Kiril’

Trachycarpus fortunei selection from Bulgaria. Very beloved for its hardiness.
Hardiness: -18°C / -0,4°F

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Misan’

Very rare species that is only found in some distant mountain range. Stays relatively small, the fronds are colored from yellow to green.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Tesan’

Rare species with a relative short but thick stem and big fat fronds. The big seeds (biggest in this genus) are covered with a white waxcoat.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Winsan’

Rare species that looks a lot like the normal fortunei but has its leaflets placed 360° around the petiole.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus geminisectus

A weird appearance among the other Trachycarpus species because of its fronds. The fronds have about 40 leaflets per leaf which are place two by two (geminisectus = twin). Leaves are thick, leathery, deeply green colored and shiny with underneath a thin wax coat. It is native to north Vietnam and China not far from the border with Laos and Vietnam.
Hardiness: -10°C / 14°F

Trachycarpus latisectus (T. sikkimensis)

(old name: Trachycarpus martianus var. latisectus, but recently corrected to be a variety of the martianus)
The name latisectus refers to the wide leaflets which is indeed one of the most known characteristics of this species. (leaflets are about 5 cm (2 in) wide which is much wider than the regular fortunei). Generally the leaves are also shinier. The stem isn’t covered with fibres and the seeds look like coffee beans. Its habitat isn’t really big and luckily this species is cultivated to be conserved. It is native to the Sikkim Himalayas in the north-east of India. Young subjects must be protected from full sun and can be sensitive to red spider mites.
Hardiness: -8°C / 17,6°F

Trachycarpus martianus

Trachycarpus martianus ssp khasyana (T. martianus ‘Khasia Hills’)

One of the most beautiful Trachycarpus-species. The leaflets are deeply cut out with a lovely form and light green color. The stem is slender and is not covered with fibres. It is unfortunately less hardy than to other species. It has difficulties to well maintain in European climate with a slower growth as well.
Hardiness: -6°C / 21,2°F

Trachycarpus martianus var. latisectus (T. sikkimensis)

(old name: Trachycarpus latisectus, but recently corrected to be a variety of the martianus)
The name latisectus refers to the wide leaflets which is indeed one of the most known characteristics of this species. (leaflets are about 5 cm (2 in) wide which is much wider than the regular fortunei). Generally the leaves are also shinier. The stem isn’t covered with fibres and the seeds look like coffee beans. Its habitat isn’t really big and luckily this species is cultivated to be conserved. It is native to the Sikkim Himalayas in the north-east of India. Young subjects must be protected from full sun and can be sensitive to red spider mites.
Hardiness: -8°C / 17,6°F

Trachycarpus martianus ‘Nagaland’

Light green leaves, with a lot of leaflets which bend over gracefully. This gives this species a more tropical look and makes it the exact opposite of the T. wagnerianus. Little is known about its hardiness but it will probably be one of the less hardy species.
Hardiness: -6°C / 21,2°F

Trachycarpus martianus ‘Nepal’ (T. martianus ssp martianus)

This cultivar has the same characteristics as the ‘Khasia Hills’ but is native to a more northern region of the Himalayas and grows on higher altitudes. This makes the ‘Nepal’ a little bit more hardy than the ‘Khasia Hills’. Its fronds are also darker green but smaller with less leaflets. Grows quite quickly.
Hardiness: -6°C / 21,2°F

Trachycarpus nanus

The smallest member of this genus. This palm is perfectly hardy and doesn’t forms a big stem. A nice species with long folioles which color blue when adult. Well hardy if kept dry and grows extremely slowly.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus oreophilus (Thai mountain fan palm)

Palm from the northern mountain range in Thailand where it grows in limestone on altitudes up to 2000 meter (6561 ft). It its natural habitat it can be surrounded by clouds for entire days. Its stem isn’t covered with fibers and it has beautiful fronds. Very similar to the T. ukhrulensis. Still only sold as seedling or small plants for this instance.
Hardiness: -8°C / 17,6°F

Trachycarpus princeps (blue silver)

Very wanted by hobbyists. Typical characteristic is the blue-silver coloring on the bottom of the leaves. They may specify the real princeps with “blue silver” as the T. sp. ‘Nova’ is also sold as the “princeps green”. This one however lacks the silver coloring and is therefore less spectacular.
Hardiness: -15°C / 5°F

Trachycarpus ravenii

Again a quite recent discovery within this genus. This species was found in a small limestone area on 1700 meters (5577 ft) altitude in Laos and so widened the habitat of the Trachycarpus genus even further south/south-east. The species was named after Prof. Peter H. Raven.
Hardiness: -10°C / 14°F (?)

Trachycarpus sp. Kumaon

Closely related to the takil but native from lower altitudes on the same mountain range. They have the same tomentum on the petioles and silver color on the bottom of the leaves but growquicker than the takil. The Kumaon also would be more hardy than the fortunei.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F (?)

Trachycarpus sp. Naini Tal

Native from an area with a place called Naini Tal, Khumoan, northern India. The Naini Tal grows on heights of 2400 meters (7874 ft.). This species was discovered in 1994 where it was taken for a Trachycarpus takil which seemed to be incorrect afterwards. Genetically very close to the fortunei but taller with a bigger stam and bigger fronds. Every owner of this species will confirm that it is slightly more hardy than the Trachycarpus fortunei. This is why it has its succes in eastern Europe countries.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus sp. Nova (T. green princeps)

When it was grown from a seed, this species seemed to be a Trachycarpus princeps what seemed to be wrong afterwards. It is closely related to the Trachycarpus fortunei but grows much quicker and is therefor the quickest growing species in this genus. Adult fronds are soft and finely segmented but young plants look a bit like the Trachycarpus martianus. There are not yet big subjects to be found but it is supposed to become a slender and graceful palm.
Hardiness: -11°C / 12,2°F

Trachycarpus takil

There is a lot of mystery around the real origin of this species and its existence. It is often confused with the Trachycarpus sp. Naini Tal. The takil is also native from the same Khuman area on altitudes between 1800 and 2700 meters (5905 -8858 ft). The leaflets aren’t cut out very deep and it stem lacks the fibres (in opposite to the Naini Tal). The fibres and the leaves do however show some ressemblances with the Trachycarpus princeps, manipur and oreophilus, more than the regular fortunei. This palm grows in higher regions with snowy winters. It is found in open areas and woodlands. It would be resistant against fire to some level.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F (?)

Trachycarpus ukhrulensis (T. sp. ‘Manipur’ – T. sp. Nagahills – T. sp. ‘Mount Victoria – T. sp. ‘Burma’)

This new discovery native to the north-east of India on the border with Birma at the level of Nagaland and Manipur. This palm  grows on 2000 meters (6561 ft) altitude and has a non covered stem which mesures up to 15 meters (49 ft.). One of the characteristics of this species are the leaves which are stiffer and silvery colored on the bottom which makes it a bit similar to the princips yet it isn’t that blue-colored and has more leaflets. Depending in its original habitat different names can be given but genetically they all belong to the species Trachycarpus ukhrulense, which however is still often called Trachycarpus manipur.
Hardiness: -12°C / 10,4°F (?)

Hybrids

Trachycarpus fortunei x wagnerianus

The female flower of a fortunei was pollinated by pollen from a male wagnerianus. This species will contain characteristics of both species.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus nanus x fortunei

The female flower of a nanus was pollinated by pollen from a male fortunei. This species will contain characteristics of both species.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus nanus x wagnerianus

The female flower of a nanus was pollinated by pollen from a male wagnerianus. This species will contain characteristics of both species.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus nanus x winsan

The female flower of a nanus was pollinated by pollen from a male fortunei ‘Winsan’. This species will contain characteristics of both species.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus wagnerianus x fortunei (T. takaghii)

The female flower of a wagnerianus was pollinated by pollen from a male fortunei. This species will contain characteristics of both species.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Trachycarpus wagnerianus x nanus

The female flower of a wagnerianus was pollinated by pollen from a male nanus. This species will contain characteristics of both species.
Hardiness: -17°C / 1,4°F

Disclaimer:
The mentioned hardiness is only an indication! The information found on certain species can be quite contradictory. This is why we kept are indications on hardiness careful to avoid deceptions afterwards. In addition, some species were only recently discovered on therefor still little is known about them. Other factors will also have an impact on the real hardiness of the palm. In a container your palm would be more sensitive to frost than when it is planted in the garden. If however you notice an error in this article, please let us know!

Source: GardenPalms, Coldplant and TropiRo completed and adjusted by La Palmeraie ©

The Butia genus is one that makes many hearts beat faster. With the beautifully bowed leaves, this palm has a beautiful appearance. The Butia originates from the south of Brazil and surroundings and forms a bit of the bottom for what is still feasible for a north European climate.

Naming

There is a lot of confusion in the naming of the Butia genus. The old names suddenly did seemed appropriate a few years ago and some species even exchanged their names to complete the confusion. As a result, it is always important to pay attention to what species your dialing with exactly. Often the old name is still used. Also by specialists.

Species overview:

Butia archeri

(Glassman) Glassman
Small, rare species, native to Brazil: Distrito Federal, Goiás, Minas Gerais, São Paulo – yellow & red states
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna  ”Cerrado”

Butia campicola

(Barb.Rodr.) Noblick
extreme small species (40 cm – 1 ft 4 in.) with underground stems. Lacks spines on its petioles.
Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul – yellow state & east Paraguay
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna  ”Cerrado”

Butia capitata

(Mart.) Becc.
The real one! Endagered species, very rare in Europe.
Native to Brazil: Bahia, Goiás, Minas Gerais – yellow & red & orange states
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna  ”Cerrado” and “Palm Grove”

Butia catarinensis

Noblick & Lorenzi
(old name: Butia odorata). Butia bonnetii is also just als synonym.  Small species (stem to 2m (6 ft 6 in) height and crown to 2m wide) well suited for smaller gardens.
Native to Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina – blue states
Grows in the Atlantic rain forests “Restinga”

Butia eriospatha

(Mart. ex Drude) Becc.

Endangered species due to overgrazing, but often sold in Europe. Grows on 1200m (3937 ft) altitude. Thick stem and often greener foliage than the odorata even if there are some variations within the species.
Native to Brazil: Paraná, Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina - blue states
Grows in the Atlantic rain forests on high altitudes “High Altitude Grassland”, “Grassland”, “Palm Grove”

Butia exilata

Deble & Marchiori
Native to Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul - blue state
Grows on the Brazilian “Pampas”

Butia exospadix

Noblick
Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul – yellow state & north-east Paraguay
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna  ”Cerrado”

Butia lallemantii

Deble & Marchiori
(Old name: Butia paraguayensis) Local name Butia-zinho.
Small species with small stems on the base. Butia sp. ‘Rio Grande do Sul’ is a synonym.
Brazil: Rio Grande do Sol – blue state & north Uruguay
Grows on the Brazilian “Pampas”

Butia lepidotispatha

Noblick & Lorenzi
Without or only with a little stem. Only recently discovered (2009).
Native to Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul – yellow state & Paraguay
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna  ”Cerrado” and “Palm Grove”

Butia leptospatha

(Burret) Noblick
Very endangered species, without stem.
Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul – yellow state & north-eastern Paraguay
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna  ”Cerrado”

Butia marmorii

Noblick
Native to north-east Paraguay. Little known about this species.

Butia matogrossensis

Noblick & Lorenzi
Only recently discovered (2008), named after its habitat.
Native to Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul – yellow state
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna  ”Cerrado”

Butia microspadix

Burret
Endagered species. Very small, almost grass like up to  60cm (1 ft 11 in) height.
Native to Brazil: São Paulo, Paraná – blue & red states
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna and Atlantic rain forests

Butia missionera

Deble & Marchori
Accepted name (2011) but also still called as a synonym for the Butia yatay.
Native to Brazil: Rio Grande do Sol – blue state
Grows on the Brazilian “Pampas”

Butia odorata

(Barb.Rodr.) Noblick
(Old name: Butia capitata and still often sold under that name!!).
Synonym: Butia capitata var. odorata. Even on PACSOA it is still to be found under its old name. Leaves varies from green to grayish-green. One of the most hardy Butia’s. Slow growth rate.
Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul – blue state & Uruguay
Grows on the Brazilian “Pampas” and Atlantic rain forests

Butia paraguayensis

(Barb.Rodr.) Baily
Small species with underground stems. The big leaves often bend over to the ground.
Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul – yellow & red & blue states & north-east Argentina
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna ”Cerrado” and “Palm Grove”

Butia pubispatha

Noblick & Lorenzi
Stemless species, recently discovered (2008).
Native to Brazil: Paraná – blue state
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna and Atlantic rain forests

Butia purpurascens

Glassman
Endangered species. Small stem.
Native to Brazil: Goiás, Minas Gerais – yellow & red states
Grows on the central Brazilian savanna ”Cerrado” and also planted by men

Butia stolonifera

(Barb.Rodr.) Becc.
Native to Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul - blue state & north Uruguay
Grows on the Brazilian “Pampas”

Butia yatay

(Mart.) Becc.
Bigger and thinner stem than the Butia odorata. Leaves bend over more and are more grayish. This is the biggest Butia with 8-12 meters (26-39 ft) height.
Native to Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul – blue state & north-east Argentina
Grows on the Brazilian “Pampas”

Synonyms

There are also a lot of synonyms in use, the list above concerns the accepted species. Below you’ll find a non-limitative list of existing synonyms:

Butia amadelpha (Barb.Rodr.) Burret
Butia arenicola (Barb.Rodr.) Burret
Butia argentea (Engel) Nehrl.
Butia bonnetii Becc.
Butia capitata var. elegantissima (Chabaud) Becc.
Butia capitata var. erythrospatha (Chabaud) Becc.
Butia capitata var. lilaceiflora (Chabaud) Becc.
Butia capitata var. liliaceifolia (Chabaud) Becc.
Butia capitata var. nehrlingiana (Abbott ex Nehrl.) L.H.Bailey
Butia capitata var. odorata (Barb.Rodr.) Becc.
Butia capitata var. pulposa (Barb.Rodr.) Becc.
Butia capitata var. rubra Mattos
Butia capitata var. strictior L.H.Bailey
Butia capitata var. subglobosa Becc.
Butia capitata var. virescens Becc.
Butia capitata subsp. yatay (Mart.) Herter
Butia dyerana (Barb.Rodr.) Burret
Butia eriospatha subsp. punctata Bomhard
Butia leiospatha (Barb.Rodr.) Becc.
Butia nehrlingiana (Abbott ex Nehrl.) Abbott ex Nehrl.
Butia nehrlingiana L.H. Bailey
Butia poni (Hauman) Burret
Butia pulposa (Barb.Rodr.) Nehrl.
Butia punctata Bomhard
Butia pungens Becc.
Butia virescens Becc.
Butia wildemaniana (Barb.Rodr.) Burret
Butia witeckii
Butia yatay var. paraguayensis (Barb.Rodr.) Becc.
Butia yatay subsp. paraguayensis (Barb.Rodr.) Xifreda & Sanso

sources:
Flora do Brasil
The Plant List

Determination

Within every Butia species there can be a lot of variation which can make determination very difficult. The three most used species in Europe are the Butia odorata, Butia eriospatha and Butia yatay. The yatay is easily recognized by its grayish foliage. When having access to the seeds it becomes a children’s play . . its seeds are oblong. Those of the odorata are round. To separate the odorata from a eriospatha you should look at the leaf bases. The leaf bases of the odorata has a purple-brown coloring where those of the eriospatha are much greener just as the rest of the foliage of this species. The tomentum, the fine hairs on the petioles, are also colored slightly different.

The foliage color on its own isn’t really reliable for determination as the exposure can have some influence to the color. The more it will be exposed to full sun, the whiter the leaves will be.

CARE

General

Butia’s are fairly slow growers. Especially in the early years. If you have the opportunity, it is would be more interesting to start of directly with a slightly larger subject. They need quite some heat to grow and therefor only grow later in the season. This is why the should be planted on the most sunniest place in your garden.

In the garden

For a spot in the garden, only the Butia odorata, Butia eriospatha and Butia catarinensis seem the be appropriate if protected! Some expercience with winter protection is therefore required to be successful. It is hardy to about -10/-12°C (14/10°F) but also needs a dry place well ventilated. A temporary roof above the palm is a must. Our preference for a spot in the garden goes to the Butia odorata. This species seems to have just a little more resilience than the other species.

In a container

The other species are especially suitable for holding in a container. The summer months are not a problem. In the winter months it is important that the palm is kept in a sufficiently ventilated place.

All together, the Butia is a great genus but definitely not recommended for beginners.

Butia eriospatha

Butia yatay

Source: “Brazilian flora” – Lorenzi 2010, PACSOA, Kew. Contributions by “palmgek” & La Palmeraie ©

Common name:
Paurotis palm, Everglades palm, Madeira palm

Origin: found in the swamps and periodically flooded forests in Florida and the Caribbean

Foliage: Palmate with orange spines on the leaf petioles

Stem: grows in clusters, slender and covered with fibrous matting

Exposure: Full sun, lots of water, the roots need to have a permanent contact with water

Growth rate: Quite fast in its own habitat but rather slow when cultivated in other conditions.

Height: 5 meter / 16 feet

Hardiness: -4°C / 24,8°F

Culture: Seeds germinate very easily at 25-35 ° C. This beautiful and little-known palm requires a lot of warmth and water for optimal growth. With enough space, it becomes very wide (several meters!) in clusters with multiple stems. It may occasionally tolerate some frost, but will still be better of without.

Use: A beautiful palm tree with light-green leaves above, and silver underneath, which naturally grows in the well-known Everglades in Florida. Because of its multiple stems it has a striking and recognizable appearance. Crazy enough, he is hardly offered for sale here. Ideal as a container plant that should be placed on the sunniest place in the garden from April to October.

Seeds

Most easy to sow – TOP 5

1. Washingtonia filifera/robusta

2. Phoenix dactylifera/canariensis

3. Trachycarpus fortunei

4. Chamaerops humilis

5. Livistona chinensis

Fastest growers – TOP 5

1. Archontophoenix alexandrae

2. Syagrus romanzoffiana

3. Washingtonia robusta

4. Trachycarpus sp Nova

5. Phoenix canariensis

Most hardy/most suitable for the garden – TOP 5*

1. Trachycarpus fortunei

2. Rhapidophyllum hystrix

3. Jubaea chilensis

4. Chamaerops humilis

5. Sabal minor

* Of course there are many more species that have a similar hardiness as the species in our top 5. Thus, the Trachycarpus genus. A complete overview can be found our article  ”Trachycarpus species: a complete overview!“. In order to show other palms as well, we chose only the name the common fortunei.

The Butia was deliberately omitted due to negative experiences in recent winters. The Brahea came out more positively and therefore herited a place in the TOP 5.

Most suitable for indoors – TOP 5

1. Howea forsteriana (Kentia)

2. Dypsis lutescens (Areca)

3. Chamaedorea metallica

4. Rhapis excelsa

5. Phoenix roebelenii

NB. With over 4000 palm species, this TOP 5 will never be completely objective of course. In addition, everyone can have different types of experiences with some species. Therefor, we have chosen the most common species in combination with some diversity in each TOP 5.

© La Palmeraie

Common name:
Pygmy date palm, miniature date palm

Origin: Rain forests of southeastern Asia

Foliage: Pinnate

Stem: Rough with layers of coarse fibrous material which disappears on older parts

Exposure: partial shade

Growth rate: Normal

Height: 2-3 meter / 6.6–9.8 feet

Hardiness: -3°C / 26,6°F

Culture:

Fresh seeds germinate quite easily, but not as good as, by example, the Phoenix canariensis. As a seedling, the Phoenix roebelenii grows slowly but growth rate increases as soon as the stem is formed. It tolerates dry air and likes shade. Due to these features, It’s the ideal indoor palm. During the summer months, he can be placed outside, but he has to get used to direct sunlight in a very gradual way, otherwise the leaves will burn. During the hot summer months there must be sufficient watering. In winter, this palm should definitely return insides, preferably in a cool place.

Use:

This palm that often grows in groups is frequently to be found in the garden centers. Due to its tolerance to dry air, its modest size and graceful appearance, it is very popular as a indoor palm or just on the terrace. The black fruits are not really suitable for consumption.

Phoenix roebelenii seedlings

Growth: photo left 2005, photo right 2009

Flower bud

Common name: European fan palm

Origin: Mediterranean sea area  (France, Spain, North-Africa)

Foliage: Palmate up to 50 cm (1,7 ft), with spines on the petioles

Stem: Covered with fibres, shrub-like clumping palm, with several stems growing from a single base

Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

Growth rate: Normal

Height: 3 meter / 9 feet

Hardiness: -12°C / 10,4°F

Culture:

As this palm originates from southern Europe, it is well suited for our climate. It does need a well-drained place to avoid a soil too wet during winter. It  also will produce fruits and so seeds in our climate, sometimes already when you buy one! These seeds can perfectly be sown. During the summer months, you can increase watering even though it  does withstand drought really well. During the winter months, it is best protected from humidity and needs more protection when it freezes more severally.

Use:

Very popular palm for planting in in the garden in our climate because of its high frost resistance and simple care. The Chamaerops is initially relatively small and has a shrub-shaped appearance due to multiple stems at its base. As a result, he is often used in borders, etc. Older subjects eventually will form a higher stem. Then its appearance is closer to the Trachycarpus, although the old petioles on the stem are much more prominent, the leaves are much smaller and the Chamaerops has spines on its petioles.

Varieties:

Chamaerops humilis ‘Arborescens’ – single stem which gains more in height
Chamaerops humilis ‘Cerifera’ – more compact, blue-grayish leaves
Chamaerops humilis ‘Vulcano’ – very dense crown with wider folioles.

photo above: Chamaerops humilis – 2 years old

Common name: Coconut tree, Coconut palm

Origin: There is still a lot of ambiguity about the exact origin. Fossils have been found in India and in South America as well. It occurs in all tropical areas of the Pacific Ocean, where it has been distributed both by humans as naturally; as the coconuts can float long distances.

Foliage: pinnate and up to 6 meter (19 ft). Old leaves are rejected by the palm itself.

Fruit: Coconut. Coconuts sold in our shops had there exocarp (outermost layer) removed and only show the typical brown fibres. The shell has three germination pores or “eyes” that are clearly visible on its outside surface. The coconut, which is in fact just one seed is filled with coconut water.

Opening the coconut: hit a nail into two of the three eyes and retrieve the coconut water. Put the nut on a solid underground and hit it firmly on its side. The coconut will split apart nicely.

Exposure: Full sun, preferably in sandy soil where it is highly tolerant to salt. Lots of water combined with heat and high humidity (70 to 80%) is required for good growth.

Growth rate: Fast

Height: 30 meter / 98,5 feet

Hardiness: 10°C / 50°F

Culture:

Young specimens are often offered for sale in garden centers and even shopping malls. Unfortunately, most of them do not last longer than a few months. This species is not suitable as a indoor plant. The humidity is far too low and the roots needs quite some depth, which is obviously not achievable in pot. During the summer months, care will not be a great problem as we will have enough light and heat, and due to the regular rainfall in our climate, the humidity is also good. Especially outside, if you will let it get used to the direct sunlight gradually. After a while, however, the reserves of the seed will be used and the young palm will slowly degrades. Especially when this coincides with the arrival of winter and it is indoors where the air is too dry. It is therefore easier to choose one of the many other palm species that are better adapted. Dypsis lutescens (Areca), Howea forsteriana (Kentia), Chamaedorea, …

Sowing is also possible. You just need a well-filled coconut to do so. Shake to nut to check if it contains enough fluid inside. Then you only have to put into warm water for a couple of weeks. As a potting soil, a substrate of potting soil with 1/5 sand and a little cocopeat + perlite is suitable.

Use:

The Coconut palm feeds everyone’s imagination and immediately reminds of paradises with white beaches and a cristal blue seas. Besides this ornamental value, many parts of this palm are used. In addition to the nutritious coconut water, the coconut itself offers the white flesh; both freshly eaten and dried. Coconut oil is extracted from the flesh as well. With the coconut fibers ropes, mats and brushes are made. With the shells also parquet is made. Composted coconut waste forms the well known Cocopeat that we find in the garden centers.

Common name:
Alexander palm, Alexandra palm, King Alexander palm, King palm, Northern bangalow palm

Origin: littoral rainforest of  Australia

Foliage: pinnate

Stem: tall and slender with expanded base

Exposure: partial shade, bigger subjects can be held in full sun if watered enough

Growth rate: fast

Height: 25 meter / 82 feet

Hardiness: -1°C / 30,2°F

Culture: Fresh seeds germinate within 4 to 12 weeks at a temperature between 25-35° C (77-95°F). This beautiful fast growing palm needs more water than an average palm. In addition, it asks for a high air humidity as it grows originally in the rainforest. This is not a hardy palm, he must definitely be placed indoors during wintertime. The foliage must be humidified frequently.

Use: Very popular palm tree in Australia where it is spread widely. Here, the Archontontophoenix is rarely found. The seeds however are often sold. Seedlings or a slightly larger subject is rather rare. Sometimes larger subjects are sold in the garden center as ‘eyecatcher’ but they aren’t cheap;  >€ 200, -. However, it is a beautiful addition to an exotic garden.

Archontophoenix alexandrae in its habitat