Hardy bamboo palm is a clump forming bamboo-like palm that distinguishes itself by its cold hardiness. Gardeners in mild climates who get occasional frosts can use this plant to extend their palm repertoire. Hardy bamboo palm forms clumps of slender stems up to 8 ft in height. Papery matte-finish leaves are arranged sparsely up and down the stems. These pinnate leaves are up to 2 ft in length and are composed of leaflets, each about 8 in long by 1 in wide, attached along the midrib.
A drooping inflorescence appears in summer. Hardy bamboo palm is dioecious - male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Female flowers are followed by the fruit which are bright orange berries about a quarter inch in diameter. These seem to light up the shade garden as they dangle in drooping clusters from the graceful stems.
Hardiness: Zones 8-11
How to grow:
Sow in well drained sand/soil mix, keep moist and warm. Germinates better in the dark. Germination is erratically and can take up to 3 months.
