BUNNINGS October 2019

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Plant pick
Palm reader
What they look like
A versatile group of plants, palms boast
lush foliage in fan-like or feathery forms,
in various textures, sizes and shades
of green. They can grow from a single
stately trunk or in multi-stemmed
clumps. They can also reach towering
heights or remain fairly compact
(depending on the palm you choose),
allowing you to create a multi-layered
tropical oasis in your backyard.
Where they grow
Palms will grow in most climates, from
tropical to cool, however most palms will
not tolerate frost unless they are well
established and some climates will be
limited to cold-hardy varieties. When
shopping, check the plant label for an
accurate guide to growing conditions
to see if they’re suitable for your area.
Slow-growing palms, such as golden
cane or parlour, are ideal indoor plants.
Windmill
palm
(Trachycarpus fortunei)
An insulating hairy trunk helps
this cold-hardy palm survive
and thrive in cooler climates.
Lady
palm
(Rhapis excelsa)
This attractive clumping palm has
textured dark green leaves. Use it
as border planting or grow indoors.
Why we love them
Palms deliver instant tropical vibes to
your garden. With their striking forms
and intriguing growth habits, they can
be grouped together for a dense, jungle
feel or used as singular feature planting,
providing height and drama. Their shallow
but fibrous root systems mean they
are less likely than other trees to be
an issue for underground sewer lines.
How to grow them
Plant in moist, free-draining soil, enriched
with compost. In cooler climates, plant
in spring or autumn to allow time to
establish before winter. Feed in spring
with a palm-specific fertiliser, like Richgro
Palm and Fern fertiliser. Check regularly
for scale on leaves and stems, and treat
with oil-based insecticide as required. ◆
FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT
bunnings.com.au/plants
Alexandra
palm
(Archontophoenix Alexandrae)
A lofty beauty, this Australian
native palm looks lovely in clusters
or planted solo as an elegant
standalone feature plant.
Bangalow
palm
(Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)
With arching feathery fronds
reaching up to 20 metres high,
this one looks stunning as avenue
planting along a driveway.
Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Alamy Stock Photo
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