Washingtonia robusta

Description

Washingtonia robusta commonly known as the ‘Sky Duster Palm’ is very impressive fast growing palm with huge bright green leaves and a thick sturdy trunk. Originating from Southern California and Northern Mexico this is perhaps one of the most widely planted palms around the mediterranean to sub tropical zones worldwide due to its ease of growth and hardiness.

For us here in the U.K 20 years ago I would have said it really would be restricted to just the mildest parts of the country but now it has become a common sight in gardens the south and west. I’ve even seen it growing inland in sheltered gardens often loosing many leaves in the winter only to bounce back with vigourous growth in late spring. Washingtonia robusta is one of the fastest growing palms here for sure, replacing damaged leaves rapidly in one summer. I would suggest planting in a warm sunny position and perhaps be prepared to protect the plant for the first few years during the worst of winter. A word of caution please don’t underestimate how fast and how big this palm can get, it needs space.

Plant in full sun or just a little shade in fertile soil for rapid growth, add well rotted farmyard manure if you can and keep well watered until established, they are very thirsty until well rooted in your garden. Not one I’d recommend for container cultivation due to its fast growth and water requirements.

Something I should mention is the fact that these palms are grown from seed and as such can show slight variations particularly Washingtonia robusta hybridises readily with Washingtonia filifera to form a hybrid known as ‘Filibusta’ it may be infact the genetics are so muddled its hard to tell them apart. For us here I can tell you ‘our’ robusta show good characteristics of genuine robusta but not always 100% there will be some experts out there I’m sure who can put me right but broadly speaking I see it as a good thing for us as ‘our’ Washingtonia have great vigour and may infact be hardier than the ‘true’ species. I’ll let you make your own mind these are fabulous looking palms!

• Position:Full sun and a sheltered position should be wrapped in colder areas.
• Soil:All soils, but avoid waterlogged areas drought tolerant once established.
• Eventual Size:Up to 5 metres in height.
• Habit:Fast growing palm with a reddish trunk and big fan leaves.
• Common Names:Skyduster Palm.