Rhapis excelsa
bamboo palm
A small, slow-growing evergreen palm with slender, upright, cane-like stems to 4m, bearing long-stalked dark green leaves divided into narrowly oblong lobes. Panicles of tiny yellow flowers appear among the leaves in summer. Shade tolerant and great for improving air quality and removed pollutants
Other common names
fern rhapisground rattan cane
see moreJapanese peace palm
lady palm
miniature fan palm
slender lady palm
Synonyms
Chamaerops excelsa Thunb.
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Rhapis are small evergreen palms forming clumps of slender stems bearing leaves divided into linear or oblong segments, with panicles of small yellow flowers among the leaves, followed by small ovoid fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S. China to N. Vietnam
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in well-drained, loamy compost in full light but with protection from strong sun. In the growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. See palm cultivation indoors for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at not less than 27°C
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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