Livistona decora, the Ribbon Fan Palm or Weeping Cabbage Palm is an attractive tall slender fan palm with an distinctive weeping habit. It is native to the coast of Queensland and - given its tropical origins - is relatively cold resistant tolerating temperatures down to around -5C. Although it can not be considered hardy for most parts of the UK, some of the milder coastal regions of the south and southwest will be able to experiment with this palm particularly if some frost protection is provided in the early years as it establishes itself and it is certainly elegant enough to grace any conservatory or glasshouse.
It has dark green foliage which is deeply divided and creased into long segments and which sometimes turns a reddish colouration in summer. When mature the ribbon-like ends of the fans hang down in a characteristic weeping manner. It is a pleasantly fast-growing species and it is rewarding to see such responsive growth.
Although not a palm for the beginner, Livistona decora is a valuable addition to the range of palms that can be tried in the UK for those blessed with a moderate microclimate.
These are strong healthy three-year old palms that will take off once given a larger root-run.
Rarely available.
Additional Information
| Order | Arecales |
|---|---|
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Sub-Family | Coryphoideae |
| Synonyms | Corypha decora, Livistona decipiens, Livistona decipiens var. polyantha, Livistona enervis |
| Geographical Origin | Australia: coastal Queensland from Magnetic Island off the coast from Townsville down to the northern Sunshine Coast around Tewantin |
| Cultivation | In the UK it requires a sunny south-facing and ideally sheltered position. Rich although well-drained soil. Feed with extra nitrogen and potassium in summer and keep well-watered |
| Eventual Height | At maturity in its native habitat it reaches 20m |
| Eventual Spread | At maturity in its native habitat it spreads approximately 5-6m |
| Hardiness | Cold-tolerant to around -5C and perhaps a little lower, it should be given extra protection with fleece during long periods of sub-zero temperatures. One for the milder coastal regions of the southwest or urban London close to the river |
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