Is your yard missing that WOW factor? Consider adding a Bismarck palm. Native to Madagascar, the Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis) is arguably the most impressive, as well as the most widely used palm tree in Florida homes landscaping. With a stout trunk, a symmetrical crown, and silver-green leaves, the Bismarck palm is captivating and elegant. But don’t worry, though regal in appearance, these trees are low-maintenance once established.
Where to place it
Before you get started, there are a few things you should know about planting your Bismarck palm. First, you’ll want to focus on selecting and preparing an area for proper placement.
Bismarck palms need plenty of space and lots of light. At least four hours of direct sunlight and a planting area of 15 to 20 feet in diameter are the minimum requirements for the Bismarck palm. Each tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and have a spread of 16 feet in diameter. Planting one too close to your home or power lines could be a decision you’ll learn to regret.
Soil type and bracing
The soil type is not critical for the Bismarck palm to thrive. Florida sand or loam will do just fine. To prep the area, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the palm’s root mass. Handle the palm at the base, and gently place it into the hole. Level vertically and then fill the hole again with the soil, sand, or loam. Press firmly to remove air pockets and check again to ensure the palm is standing level and upright.
Once your Bismarck palm is planted, you may want to wrap, brace and stake the trunk. To do this, wrap a piece of burlap around the trunk and arrange three wooden boards running vertically around it. These should be about a foot-and-a-half tall and hug the tree three feet from the ground. Secure the wood with metal straps or zip-ties. Then, set three stakes around the palm, approximately three feet from the base. Attach the stakes to the boards, but be careful not to puncture the palm in the process.
Watering, grooming
Now that your Bismarck palm is protected and in place, be sure to water it well. The University of Florida recommends 50 gallons of water poured slowly around the tree, three times a week for four weeks. This may seem like a bit of a task, but once the Bismarck palm is established it is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition that will make quite the aesthetic impact on your home.
To groom, you may remove dead leaves at any time of the year; however, take only the ones that are completely dead. Pruning partially dead leaves attracts pests and leaves your palms vulnerable to damage and infestation. Once a palm becomes infested, it is almost certainly irreversible.
Slug-A-Bug can help
An extra step in preventative care is always a good idea. Keep your palms and gardens healthy and insect-free by calling the experts at Slug-A-Bug: (321) 259-7844. We will keep your lawn and gardens safe and thriving.
For more reading:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST101
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-silver-bismarck-palm-tree-49585.html