Phoenix roebelenii

Dwarf Date Palm

This delightful little palm is a favourite landscape item and is widely grown. It enjoys a warm frost-free environment away from strong winds and though it will tolerate full sun, it will do better if a little shade is available. Likes good drainage. Makes an ideal pot plant for indoors or outside in the appropriate spot. Slow growing but with it's small stature and delicate lacy appearance, make it an easy care palm that everyone can enjoy.

2.5m x 1.5m

Beaucarnea recurvata

Pony Tail Palm

These common plants are often sold as potted houseplants for the interesting appearance of the swollen base and the recurving leaves. This is not of course a palm, but related to the yuccas. The swollen bas is an adaptation for storing water during times of drought. They excel outdoors given some protection from frost when small. Remove spent leaves as they yellow and fade to reveal the impressive trunk. Does well in large containers also.

2m x 1.5m

Cycas revoluta

Sago Palm

This unique plant resembles a palm tree but is actually a cycad. This plant is the most popular of cycad available and with it's very symmetrical shape it is a highly attractive plant. The thick shaggy trunk supports a crown of shiny dark green leaves. New fronds are produced twice a year and are soft when opening, but gradually harden into their permanent shape. Good drainage needed and fertilise regularly.

3m+ x 2.5m

Nolina longifolia

Pony Tail Palm

This is the less commonly grown Pony Tail Palm and again this is not of course a palm, but related to the yuccas. You will sometimes see it named as Beaucarnea longifolia. Though the trunk is corky and similar to the more common Pony Tail Palm, this species does not develop the swollen base to the same extent. They excel outdoors given some protection from frost when small. Remove spent leaves as they yellow and fade to reveal the impressive trunk.

2.5m x 2m

Lepidozamia peroffskyana

Pineapple Zamia

This is another cycad and is a popular plant in landscaping. It forms a very attractive plant in the garden or a container. The plant is slow growing, but can produce an attractive display over time. It is not demanding and is easily grown providing the drainage is good. The plant can withstand extended dry periods and is best in dappled shade. The trunk usually retains the old leaf bases and the leaves are dark-green and fern-like in shape.

3m x 3m

Zamia furfuracea

Cardboard Palm

A favourite with landscapers, the Cardboard Palm isn't a palm at all, but a cycad. The thick leathery leaves are slightly fuzzy and feel a little like cardboard when rubbed. An impressive plant when grown in the garden in a warm, frost-free position. They are also salt resistant and can be used in coastal plantings in well drained areas. Also makes a great container plant for the patio or deck and can also be grown indoors as a houseplant.

1m x 1.5m

Chamaerops humilis

Mediterranean Fan Palm

This attractive palm hails from the Mediterranean and has become very popular in recent years, mostly due to its cold hardiness and tolerance of frosts. It makes a great addition to the subtropical garden especially if you don't have a subtropical climate! Will ultimately form a small trunk and it makes a great feature plant in the garden or a container if the spent leaves are trimmed to display the fibrous trunk.

3m x 2m

Syagrus romanzoffiana

Queen Palm

This palm has increased in popularity dramatically in recent years due to the increased demand for subtropical gardens. It is a beautiful palm that is inexpensive and easy to find and better yet, easy to grow. Quite fast growing, with a little attention to summer watering and feeding, a small plant will make a dramatic specimen within a few years. As juveniles progress into adults, the fronds develop into feathery plumes that are a dark glossy green. Best in full sun.

10m+ x 3m

Rhopalostylis sapida

Nikau

A New Zealand icon and the world's most southerly growing palm. Though slow growing, Nikau make fantastic specimen palms in a protected position. A forest dweller by nature, Nikau prefer a shady sheltered site to prevent damage to the fronds. Nikau can be planted in full sun, but the fronds will tend to be more upright and light green in colour. Windy sites will cause the tips of fronds to burn off - ideally plant in a sheltered site to maintain lush, dark green fronds.

7m x 3m