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Conservatory GreenhousePalms

Washingtonia × filibusta

Washington palm

a tree-like palm with a stout trunk to 20m, and arching, narrow-lobed, fan-shaped leaves 2-3m in length; flowers creamy-white, in large panicles

Other common names
Californian washingtonia
cotton palm
see moredesert fan palm
northern washingtonia
Synonyms
Washingtonia 'Filibusta'
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Cream Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver Black
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Arecaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Washingtonia are large evergreen palms with stout solitary trunks bearing long-stalked, rounded leaves palmately divided into linear segments, and large, arching panicles of flowers, followed by small, berry-like black fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S. California, W. Arizona, Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost with equal parts added pulverised bark and organic matter, in bright light but with protection from the sun. Water moderately and provide moderate humidity when in growth and apply a liquid fertiliser monthly during the summer. Water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at not less than 24°C

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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