Bismarckia nobilis (275-325)

Origin
The Bismarckia nobilis, also known as the Bismarck Palm, has its origin on the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Here, this unique plant grows in the drier regions of the grasslands and savannahs. The palm owes its name to the former German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.

Characteristics
The Bismarckia nobilis is a striking appearance due to its pronounced blue-grey fan-shaped leaves. These are, in a fully grown plant, around 3 meters wide. The palm has a conspicuous trunk that depending on the age and the growth conditions, can reach a height between 10 and 25 meters. When the palm blooms, it produces long stems with small yellow flowers.

Care
Despite its tropical origin, the Bismarckia nobilis likes full sun and is fairly tolerant to drought. It has a preference for well-draining soil and cannot tolerate waterlogging. An annual addition of a general palm tree fertiliser promotes healthy growth and helps the plant maintain its characteristic blue colour. It is important to protect the plant in winter against severe frost, as it is not frost-hardy.