Mark A. Miller
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
Bismarckia nobilis
Plant Common Name
Bismarck Palm
General Description
What a grand silvery palm! Bismarck palm is an evergreen native to Madagascar. It has a single, stout trunk and a symmetrical crown consisting of large, waxy, silver to blue-green, fan-shaped palm fronds. Its flowers are yellow and occur in the crown of foliage.
Drought tolerant and heat-loving, Bismarck palm requires full sun and does well in a wide range of well drained soil types. Too much shade and the leaves are not as silvery. Its growth and habit will be much better if given ample water and fertilizer in the hottest months, with a drier period in winter. It is a superb ornamental palm with a bodacious presence as a specimen or grouped in clusters, giving each plant room to expand. Avoid this palm in small landscapes. The natural green-leaf form is slightly more cold tender.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Palm or Cycad
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
50'-60' / 15.2m - 18.3m
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Width
20'-25' / 6.1m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Madagascar
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow
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Fruit Color
Brown, Chocolate
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green, Silver, Gray
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Silver, Gray
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Silver, Gray
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Silver, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
