Intermediate
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Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck palm)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
18m
Max height
Max height
6m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Bismarckia nobilis
Other names
Bismarck palm
Genus
Bismarckia Bismarckia
Species
B. nobilis - B. nobilis is an evergreen palm with a single, stout, trunk-like stem and large, fan-shaped, blue-grey leaves, each divided to a third its length into numerous folded segments. Pendent flowers are followed by brown fruit.
Bismarckia nobilis is: Evergreen
Habit
Irregular, Single stemmed palm, cycad or tree
Flower
Brown, Spotted in Summer
Foliage
Pale-blue, Silvery-grey in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Scale insects Scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Prune off dead and damaged leaves right back to trunk.
Propagation
Soak seeds for 48 hours prior to sowing. Sow at 30C. May take a month or more to germinate.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck palm) will reach a height of 18m and a spread of 6m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Conservatory, Drought Tolerant, Foliage only, Mediterranean, Specimen tree, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or light shade. Protect with horticultural fleece in colder areas. Drought tolerant and thrives in heat. Tends to be much smaller in cultivation.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Bismarckia nobilis
Other names
Bismarck palm
Genus
Bismarckia Bismarckia
Species
B. nobilis - B. nobilis is an evergreen palm with a single, stout, trunk-like stem and large, fan-shaped, blue-grey leaves, each divided to a third its length into numerous folded segments. Pendent flowers are followed by brown fruit.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Irregular, Single stemmed palm, cycad or tree
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Colour
Flower
Brown, Spotted in Summer
Foliage
Pale-blue, Silvery-grey in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Prune off dead and damaged leaves right back to trunk.
Propagation
Soak seeds for 48 hours prior to sowing. Sow at 30C. May take a month or more to germinate.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck palm) will reach a height of 18m and a spread of 6m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Conservatory, Drought Tolerant, Foliage only, Mediterranean, Specimen tree, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or light shade. Protect with horticultural fleece in colder areas. Drought tolerant and thrives in heat. Tends to be much smaller in cultivation.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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