Howea forsteriana

An evergreen, clumping palm reaching around 15m tall with a 6m crown.

A slender, slow-growing palm with a distinctly ribbed trunk and fronds reaching 3m long.

Prefers partial to full shade, especially when young, in well-drained soil.

Always choose healthy, well-grown, plants and plant after autumn rains, when the soil is moist and warm allows trees to establish a good root system well before summer. Planting is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, peat, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball to plant in. Long term slow-release fertilisers may be added at this stage. As soil is placed in the prepared hole tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root-ball. Unless the soil is very wet, water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball.

Remove old fronds when they get tatty and die back. Mulch annually with an organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Each spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins. This palm can be grown from seed but germination is slow and erratic. The roots dislike disturbance so move carefully or repot only once they are root-bound.

Palms