The image below is from a site offering a huge selection of palm seeds. The prices are about average but they are a good quality supplier. You can visit it here. As you can see, this palm is gorgeous!
This is a small clumping palm that grows to a maximum height of between 2.5m and 5m. Some sources say up to 6m depending on conditions (and likely if suckers are removed) The overall height often depends on the growing zone. This palm is rated from USDA zone 7b to past 11. Absolute minimum temperatures are about -15C (5F) but it may prove to be hardier. The lower the zone, the lower the final height of the palm (as a general rule for all species).
It is a great palm for a Mediterranean type climate as the name suggests. Full sun is best as well good drainage. In a climate like Vancouver, the crown may need to be protected in the winter to prevent any risk of rot. This is as simple as a bit of plastic over the top of the plant. Don't wrap too tightly as it needs room to breathe. A tent-like structure may be best. In the summer it is drought tolerant and a great plant for xeriscaping.
Now for a warning. This plant has two rows of spines along each leaf stem. As long as you pay attention you'll be fine. I wouldn't suggest it for anyone with young kids or pets unless you can ensure appropriate protection.
Hopefully I'll be getting a few seeds over the next week or so. Then maybe they'll be a decent size by the time I actually own a place! Still no full time job but I've found some small projects that will keep us going. At least until I can become a starship captain and explore the galaxy, leading the terraforming effort of uninhabited worlds across the cosmos. :)
I love the plant it looks like white/gray and I think it fits perfectly in a modern design environment with Mediterranean influences.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Very elegant strong features.
ReplyDeleteGreat colour! I've never seen anything like it.
ReplyDeleteHah! Planning for the future dwelling and planet, that's what I'm doing, too. Now I have a much better excuse when people ask me what the hell I'm doing with all these plants in my living room!
ReplyDelete@Laura, I saw the typical green variety for sale at the home depot on Terminal in Van. This variety is amazing though!
ReplyDelete@Kenneth Moore, LOL it's very true. I just think long term. Really long term. Really really really long term.
Hey!!! I at first thought this was a Palmetto! I looked at the one in my backyard and it is GREEN, and doesn't have this lovely swirling pattern to the stems! This is extremely attractive!! I'm not sure if I've ever seen one down here, but I will keep my eyes open now. I know a guy who's yard is full of 2 things...palms and broms! I'm gonna catch him outside one day and ask if he has one so I can look at it up close and personal!
ReplyDeleteWhen you become a starship captain, can I come along as the retired nurse, who wants to just sit at the replicator and order delicious things to eat and drink??? Thanks in advance!!! :)
Of course! That sounds like a great idea. Why didn't I think of it... Your title could be 'interstellar food tester'.
ReplyDeleteI get to be the bartender!
ReplyDeleteI've seen one of these at a nursery here... way too expensive for my price range, but it was an amazing sight.
They are expensive, that's why I've found a seed source. That plus time should provide some beautiful plants. We've got an entire crew!
ReplyDeleteCan I be the scientist-turned politician-turned religious cult leader-turned scientist with the cloud of man-whore hanging over him the entire time? I think that'd be fun!
ReplyDeleteI saw what was almost certainly one of these at a Walmart here in suburban Michigan about a week ago, priced at $18...
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the seeds...with your nose for unusual plants and the Vancouver climate you will soon amass a veritable botanic garden... :)
Wow, that's a beautiful palm and I'm not even that big of a fan of them. Love that color, looks like someone spray painted it with fake snow.
ReplyDelete@kenneth Moore, Maybe if your good. We'll have to see.
ReplyDelete@College Gardener, $18?!?! Wow I wish I saw that. I have a huge list of plants which all have something odd about them. It won't look tacky, I promise.
ReplyDelete@Mr Brown Thumb, most appear to have that colouration. Some are a little greyer, others a bit bluer. The one above is probably from a warmer zone. Here it probably would have lost the lower 1/3 or leaves or so just because of the harsher winter.
What a beautiful colour this palm has! Art deco - if you plant it into a black lacquered pot with a golden rim. (If you laugh because it will become a giant plant: then I see some of the leaves in a vase of the same description). But how long will it take till a seed germinates and a tree grows?
ReplyDeleteBritta
That does sound very art deco. You could always just get a bigger pot! :) From what I've seen most seem to sprout within one month, but maybe up to three. They grow between 1/2 and 1ft per year, but a bit slower when younger.
ReplyDeletePlanting from seed will be a fun way to go, Captain, says your interstellar food tester!
ReplyDeleteMuch more fun! I'll order the seeds some time over the next few days. Yum. Food.
ReplyDeleteI had bought a number of seeds, 2 of the 4 have germinated already (about 2 weeks)!
ReplyDeleteI hope they are pretty fast growing, as I am looking forward to sipping on a Mojito and listening to Jimmy Buffett while sitting under it.
If you are looking for seeds - I got mine at bamboo world in BC.
Jon Tipping - Windsor Ontario Canada
LOL. Can you imagine sitting under a magnificent palm tree? I actually drove over an hour to Bamboo World and back. I had emailed them and never received a response. They were out of the seeds and don't expect to get more. Glad to hear the seeds are doing well!
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