Oliviform Palm

Oliviform Palm (Kentiopsis oliviformis) is a New Caledonian palm that is still uncommon in Australian gardens, and it deserves to be better known. It carries a smooth ringed trunk topped by a clean crownshaft and a compact head of arching fronds, reaching around 8m tall and 3.5m across in a home garden. The proportions are the point: full height from a narrow footprint, which is what a courtyard or a pool surround needs.

Why you'll love it

• Height from a small footprint. At about 8m by 3.5m it delivers a tall tropical silhouette without spreading across the garden.
• A tidy palm. Old fronds shed cleanly from the crownshaft rather than hanging on, so there is no annual chainsaw work on the head.
• Genuinely uncommon. Few gardens grow one, which makes it a specimen plant rather than another of the usual palms.
• Takes wind and heat. Wind and heat tolerant, so it holds its form in exposed gardens where softer palms shred, and asks for little once established.

Where it works best

Poolside planting. The narrow crown and fibrous, non woody roots make it a sensible choice near a pool shell and paving, with minimal frond litter.

Feature and entry planting. A single palm carries a courtyard, or plant a matched pair either side of an entry. Allow 4m between palms if you are lining a driveway so each crown keeps its shape.

Coastal and tropical gardens. It suits warm coastal blocks where wind is the main challenge, and sits well above heliconias, gingers and other tropical understorey planting.

Growing Oliviform Palm in Australia

Position and climate. This is a tropical and subtropical palm and it is frost tender. Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane and the northern New South Wales coast suit it outdoors, while anywhere that frosts is not viable in open ground. Young palms prefer part shade and take more sun as they gain height.

Soil. Rich, free draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Work compost through the planting bed and mulch 75mm deep, keeping the mulch off the trunk base.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week through the first two summers, keeping the soil evenly moist rather than swinging between wet and dry. Feed with a palm specific fertiliser in spring and summer to prevent the yellowing caused by potassium and magnesium shortage.

Pruning. Remove only fronds that are fully brown. Cutting green fronds to tidy the crown weakens the palm, and the trunk cannot regrow from damage.

What to expect when it arrives

Oliviform Palm is grown in two sizes: 400mm pots and 60L. The 400mm palms are juveniles, usually below head height, with the trunk and crownshaft still to form. The 60L palms are well advanced and give the immediate presence most people buying a feature palm are after.

Palms sulk for a few weeks after planting and may show a tip burn on older fronds; new spear growth is the sign it has taken. Plants are 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

• An overview of palm tree varieties
• Browse every palm we grow
• Plants that work beside a pool
• More exotic and rare plants

Common questions

Will it survive a cold winter?

No. It is frost tender, so anywhere that frosts is out of range for planting in the ground. In a marginal area, grow it in a large pot and move it under cover.

How fast does it grow?

Slowly at first while the crown builds, then steadily once the trunk starts to rise. In a warm, well watered garden expect a decade or more to approach its 8m height.

Is it safe near a pool and paving?

Yes. Palm roots are fibrous rather than woody, so they do not lift paving the way a fig will. Allow 1.5m of clearance from the pool edge for the mature crown.