Palm Trees in your Garden

Palm trees are reserved for those sunnier climates and tropical beaches right? What chance have we that palm trees will grow under the influence of the good old British weather?

Though we might be right in thinking that those picturesque warm settings are what tempts the growth of palm trees, certain palm trees will survive very well and even thrive in the damp and cold climate of the British Isles.

Interesting facts about palm trees:

• There are over 2,500 species of Palm Trees.

• Palm Trees are related closer to grass / bamboo than trees.

• Palm Trees leaves are of two types: Palmate and Pinnate.

• The tallest Palm Trees can reach up to 200 feet in height.

• Some Palm Trees live for more than a century.

• Some Palm Trees are protected species.

Can I grow Palm Trees in England?

Yes, palm trees are a hardy species, some that will survive temperatures to -15C. They will generally require a warm sunny location in the garden and have protection from wind. They are more frequently seen by the coast and especially those carrying a pleasant climate and sea air (south west of England is one of the "Gulf Stream" coasts of the British Isles). Scotland also sees palm trees growing successfully.

Exotic hardy palm trees you can purchase and plant / grow:

• Chamaerops Humilis Palm Tree

• Trachycarpus Fortunei - Chusan Palm

• Butia Capitata - the Pindo Palm

• Chamaerops Humilis Cerifera Palm Tree

Garden centres across the UK will stock and sell a variety of palm trees from younger, smaller palms to those well established and aged many years.

Commonly mistaken as a palm tree, the Cordyline Australis is another common option when it comes to choosing palms for your garden.

Title image: Pixabay