Bismarckia nobilis
Description
Bismarckia nobilis, commonly known as the Bismarck Palm, is a majestic and striking palm known for its large, fan-shaped leaves and robust trunk. This palm is highly prized for its unique silver-blue foliage and grand stature, making it a standout feature in any landscape.
Flowers
The Bismarck Palm produces small, yellowish flowers that grow in large, branched inflorescences among the leaves. The flowers are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate plants.
Foliage
The leaves are the main ornamental feature of the Bismarck Palm. They are large, fan-shaped, and can reach up to 3 meters in diameter. The foliage is a stunning silver-blue color, providing a striking contrast against the grey trunk. Each leaf is deeply divided into numerous segments, creating a full and dramatic appearance.
Fruit
The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to dark brown as it matures. The fruit is not typically of ornamental value but can add some interest to the palm's appearance.
Form and Size
The Bismarck Palm typically grows to a height of 12-18 meters with a spread of 4-6 meters. It has a thick, stout trunk that is topped with a crown of 20-25 large, fan-shaped fronds. The trunk is smooth and grey, often marked by ringed leaf scars.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It can tolerate poor soils and is drought-tolerant once established.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. It requires plenty of sunlight to maintain its vibrant foliage color.
- Water: Requires regular watering when young but is drought-tolerant once established. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. It can tolerate occasional frost and is relatively cold-hardy.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for use as a specimen tree, focal point, or in group plantings. It is suitable for large gardens, parks, and public spaces.
- Ornamental: The large, silver-blue leaves and robust trunk provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any landscape.
- Coastal Gardens: Tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for coastal landscapes.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from occasional feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to scale insects and fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Bismarck Palm is a versatile and hardy palm that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or landscape. Its unique silver-blue foliage and impressive stature make it a favorite among palm enthusiasts and landscape designers.
Companion Plants
- Agave americana (Century Plant)
- Heliconia spp. (Heliconia)
- Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)
- Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise)
Common Name
Bismarck Palm
Botanical Name
Bismarckia nobilis
Family
Arecaceae
Origin
Native to Madagascar
Read lessPlease note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting