Chinese fan palm
4. This remarkable palm
(Trachycarpus fortunei)
is prized for
its exotic appearance and tolerance
of cold. It can grow up to 9m tall if
planted in the garden, but will only
grow up to 3m if kept in a large pot.
It has dense clusters of small yellow
flowers borne above strappy dark
green leaves, which are a lovely
blue-green on the underside.
Grow it: Put this palm in a sunny spot
with free-draining soil. Protect it from
cold winds, especially when young,
and water when required.
it
Tolerates light frost
Fatsia japonica
5.
Also known as Japanese aralia,
this handsome shrub grows between
1.5-3.5m in height and the large,
lustrous, glossy leaves look fabulous
against a bright-coloured wall. When
the plant is mature it bears small white
flowers in autumn. For additional foliage
interest, try
Fatsia
‘Variegata’, which
has leaves with creamy white margins.
Grow it: Plant in well-drained, humus-
rich soil in sun or light shade. Though
tough, this frost-hardy species needs
to be protected from the fierce summer
sun, making it suitable for a position
beneath shady trees or in a courtyard
with dappled shade.
i t
Tolerates light frost
Kentia palm
6. Native to Lord Howe Island, the
kentia has graceful feather-like fronds
and is suitable for growing indoors or
out. The flowers are small and fleshy,
and are followed by small red fruit.
Kentia palms grow slowly to about
10m outdoors with a slender trunk
Grow it: This palm is frost tender and
needs moist, humid conditions and
some shade if is to be kept outdoors.
It’s commonly grown inside and can
stay in the same pot or tub for many
years, as long as the potting mix is
well drained and contains humus.
Provide part shade while it matures.
