RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIX. Needle Palm.

17Lpot/£119.95

80L/6ft/£434.95

130L/7-7.5ft/£909.95

The Rhapidophyllum hystrix  or 'Needle Palm' is very probably the most cold hardy palm in the world, down to -20 degrees, tolerating an adapting to a wide range of conditions. This "collectors" palm is very easy to grow, but very slow, and rarely gets above 1.5m in height. It is a shrub-like palm with several stems growing from a single base . Fan shaped leaves are glossy green on top with a dull silver underside and are deeply divided with tips of each one bluntly squared off as if trimmed. This interesting and beautiful palm however has sharp needles at the base to protect the stem. Quite unusual for the UK, it is great for collectors of hardy exotics.

Latin Name: Rhapidophyllum Hystrix.

Common Name: Needle Palm, Porcupine Palm.

Native: Southeastern US.

Hardiness: Hardy down to -20

Growth: Slow growing, clumping palm with deeply divided fan shaped leaves, glossy green on top with a dull silver underside. Armed with needles at the base to protect the stem. A 'collectors' palm'.  .

Sun: Full sun/ full shade.

Soil: Most types.

Moisture: Likes wet ground and is quite tolerant to drought conditions. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions.