Allagoptera caudescens

Allagoptera caudescens, still sold by many growers under its old name Polyandrococos caudescens, is a slender single trunked feather palm for gardens with height to spare and no width. It reaches about 6m tall and only 3m across, and the fronds are deep green above with a silver underside, so the whole crown changes colour as it moves in a breeze. It is slow, which is exactly what you want beside a pool.

Why you'll love it

• Narrow enough for a small garden. At 6m by 3m it gives you the height of a palm without the wide crown that swallows a courtyard.
• Silver backed fronds. The two toned foliage catches low afternoon light and reads far better against a dark wall than a plain green palm.
• Roots that stay out of trouble. The root system is non invasive, so it can be planted close to a pool shell, paving or a boundary wall.
• Built for the coast. Salt tolerant, heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and drought tolerant once established, on very little water.

Where it works best

Poolside. Non invasive roots, a clean trunk and modest litter make it one of the safer palms to plant within a couple of metres of the water.

Feature planting in a small garden. A single specimen suits a courtyard corner, a narrow side garden or a spot beside an entry where a wide palm would not fit.

Coastal gardens. It holds condition in salt laden air, where softer palms brown off at the tips.

Growing Allagoptera caudescens in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun once established, with light shade helping while it is young. It is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so cool southern and inland frost districts are not suitable in the ground.

Soil. Free draining soil enriched with compost. It will not tolerate a wet, airless root zone. Mulch 75mm deep and keep the mulch clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Water twice weekly through the first two summers while the root system builds, then reduce it. A controlled release palm fertiliser in early spring and again in mid summer keeps the frond colour strong.

Pruning. Remove only fully brown fronds, cutting close to the trunk. Trimming green or partly green fronds slows an already slow palm and can leave the crown looking thin for years.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in a single size, a 400mm pot. That is an established juvenile palm with a formed crown but little visible trunk, because trunk development takes years in this species. Buy it for the crown you get now and treat the height as a long term proposition.

Palms travel well kept upright and out of wind. Expect a quiet first season, then steady but unhurried growth. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Compare species in our guide to palm tree varieties.
• Browse the full palm tree range.
• See other plants for poolside gardens with safe root systems.
• More narrow options in plants for small gardens.

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Slowly. Expect a handful of new fronds a year and many years before it approaches 6m.

Is it safe to plant near a pool?

Yes, as far as the root system goes, since the roots are non invasive. Like any palm it drops old fronds, so allow for occasional clean up.

Will it survive frost?

Light frost only. In cool temperate or inland frost prone gardens, grow it in a large pot and move it under cover through winter.

Can I grow it in a container long term?

Yes. Its slow growth and modest root system suit a pot of 600mm or wider, though it will settle well short of its 6m garden height.