Mexican Blue Palm (Brahea Armata)

Brahea Armata or Mexican Blue Palm trees are native to the hot climates of Baja California in Mexico. With massive fan-like fronds, the Mexican Blue makes a great ornamental plant for the British garden. Though they originate from hot climates, the Mexican blue isn't very hardy at H1C and needs sheltering during a standard British winter. It can flourish either potted or bedded into most soil types. Brahea armata is called Mexican Blue because of its unique blue-silver leaves and grey tinted trunk which can grow to half a meter in diameter. In terms of maintenance, as the palm grows, dead fronds (palm leaves) will need to be cut off, other than that it will self sustain fairly well and in general needs little maintenance. The plant itself is prone to potential pests so keep an eye out for this. It is generally disease free however so that can give you some peace of mind. Latin Name: Brahea Armata English Name: Mexican Blue Palm Species: Arecaceae Genus: Brahea Foliage Type: Evergreen Foliage: Green-Blue Flower: Yellow Flowering Period: Summer Suggested Location: Outdoor. Suggested Soil Type: Well-drained. Loam, Chalk, Sand Suggested Exposure to Sunlight: Full Sun Suggested Exposure to Weather: Sheltered Hardiness Rating: Low (H1C) Lowest Temperature Tolerance: 5 °C to 10 °C (41 °F to 50 °F) Growth Habit: Columnar/Upright Pests: May be affected by glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects Diseases: Generally disease-free Cultivation: In frost-prone areas, grow young specimens in full light as houseplants or under glass at 5 – 15 °C in loam-based potting compost such as John Innes No. 2, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly while in growth, water sparingly in winter, and pot on or top-dress in spring - for more advice, see palm cultivation indoors; in frost-free areas, grow in well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate poor, dry soil, and though frost-tender will survive short periods at 0ºC - for more advice, see palm cultivation outdoors Propagation: Sow seed at 23 – 27 °C in spring Pruning: No pruning required Suggested planting locations and garden types: Drought Resistant Architectural Patio & Container Plants Sub-tropical Final Height: 12 m (39 ft) Final Sideways Spread: 4 m – 8 m (13.12 ft – 26 ft) Delivery Cost: This is calculated based on the total size, weight and quantity of your order, as well as the location of your delivery address. You will see the final price at the Online Checkout Page (before making payment). Our website will automatically calculate the lowest possible delivery price and apply discounts to orders of certain products – giving you the best value delivery every time! Please note that high-volume orders will decrease your delivery costs significantly by spreading the price across multiple items. Visit our Delivery Policy page for more information.