Butia capitata
jelly palm
An elegant palm with long, arching, grey-green leaves. Tolerant of cold and wet conditions it can make a great specimen plant in mild areas, but will require some protection in areas with very harsh winter weather
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
A genus of relatively hardy palms, native to South America, with feathery, grey-green drooping foliage, some grown as stemless plants and others as small trees. Many species of Butia produce edible fruits which can be made into jellies and alcoholic drinks
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil to Uruguay
How to grow
Cultivation
If growing in pots, use a peat-free, loam-based compost and position in full sun. Water freely in summer and apply a balanced liquid feed weekly. In very cold areas the pots should be moved to a sheltered corner or greennhouse over winter. In milder areas plant into the ground in spring, selecting a sheltered site where the ground does not become waterlogged. See palm cultivation outdoors for further information
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 25°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite and scale insects if grown under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.