Bangalow Palm

Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) is Australia's own rainforest palm: a tall, fast growing feature with a slender grey trunk, deep green fronds and a graceful canopy. It reaches 10 to 20m in time, with a crown up to about 6m across, so it is a palm to place with the future in mind. It also copes with cool conditions better than many palms.

Why you'll love it

• Fast, tall growth. A fast growing palm that builds a canopy and brings real height to a tropical style garden.
• A graceful shape. A slender grey trunk with a slight bulge carries fronds that have a half twist, lying flat beside the trunk and turning upright at the tips.
• Tolerates cool conditions. It is a little hardier to cold than the Alexander palm and suits sheltered spots in cooler climates.
• Food for birds. Hanging tails of pale pink flowers are followed by red berries in autumn and winter, which attract birds such as the green catbird and topknot pigeon.
• A true Australian native. It grows wild on the east coast from Mackay in Queensland to Batemans Bay in New South Wales, on creek banks and in moist swampy soils.

Where it works best

Feature palm and canopy. Use one palm or a group to create a canopy in a tropical garden. Set in threes or fives 2m apart, the crowns overlap and the trunks lean slightly outward. Underplant with ginger, fatsia and cordylines for a full tropical feel.

Driveways and entrances. A line of bangalows makes a grand entrance. For a driveway or avenue, plant 4m apart so the crowns meet overhead without fighting for room.

Growing Bangalow Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Young palms benefit from some shade, while mature palms stand full sun. Site it with its mature height and spread in mind, because it dislikes being moved. It tolerates cool conditions but needs protection from frost, and suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, plus sheltered spots in cooler ones.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil. It will even grow in sand, though it appreciates richer soil with plenty of organic matter.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well. This palm comes from subtropical rainforest with regular and often heavy rain, so keep the water up through dry spells. Feed with a slow release fertiliser through the warm months.

Pruning. Remove only fronds that have died or hang loose. Cutting green fronds robs the palm of energy it needs to grow.

What to expect when it arrives

Four sizes are available: tube stock, 140mm pots in packs of 10, 200mm pots in packs of 6, and 300mm pots singly. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and with the 140mm pots it is the economical way to plant a grove or driveway line, though even a fast grower starts small. The 300mm pot is a more substantial plant with a head start, which suits a single feature.

Plants travel upright. Plant them out soon after arrival, because this palm does not like to be moved later, and keep the water up while the roots take hold.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete bangalow palm care guide
• Browse all palm trees
• Trees for driveways and entrances
• Plants that attract birds

Common questions

How tall and wide will it grow?

Expect 10 to 20m tall with a crown spreading to about 6m. Check the clearance above and around the planting spot before you dig.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It is not suited to pots. It is a tall rainforest palm that dislikes being moved, so choose its final position and plant it out.

Will it cope with cold or frost?

It tolerates cool conditions and is a little hardier than the Alexander palm, but protect young plants from frost and choose a sheltered spot in cooler districts.