The UK may not be tropical, but a surprising number of exotic palm varieties can thrive here, and their architectural shapes and frond-like foliage can create a dramatic impact in your garden.
Pots for flexibility
Growing palms in pots makes them easy to relocate, limits their growth and allows for greater long-term flexibility. Grown in the ground, palms can become unruly, but container-grown specimens are easy to care for and, in severe weather, can be brought indoors for protection. You can also move them around easily as their height and density develops – palms like plenty of space around them. Plant each palm in good potting compost in a larger pot than it needs so that you allow for annual growth without the need for regular repotting.
Varieties
Hardy varieties like the dwarf fan palm add structure to a patio display, and feather palms such as butia capitata have lovely blue-green fronds. The Canary Island date palm is an excellent choice for a sunny corner, and any of the needle palms like Rhapidophyllum hystrix offer substantial width as well as height. If you are after an imposing, tall palm, try the Mexican blue palm, which can eventually grow to a height of almost 10 metres. You’ll need patience, however, as these plants are slow growing, achieving about six to eight inches annually.
Palms need minimal care – there’s no pruning required, just removal of the lower leaves as they brown with age, so it’s extremely easy to introduce tropical style to your garden. Use potted palms as the backdrop for your Supremo Palermo garden furniture to create a delightfully Mediterranean atmosphere.
