Livistona chinensis

Description

Livistona chinensis sometimes known as the ‘Chinese fan palm’, is a wonderful, very large leaved palm found throughout sub-tropical to temperature zones of South East Asia. Eventually it can form an narrow trunk holding the large glossy leaves, but for us here in cooler climes the main feature of this palm is its wonderful huge palmate leaves and its tolerance of deep shade. Probably only really hardy in very mild London or West Country gardens, it is best sited amongst ferns and shady jungly planting schemes. For those of us in cooler parts of the country, Livistona chinensis can remain outside where it is happy grown in a large container being brought into a cool glasshouse or conservatory for the worst of winter.

Tolerant of most soil conditions but likes to be keep fairly moist and well fed. It is slow growing and unlikely to eat you out of house and home. It remains compact, lush and leafy.

Definitely worth a try if you have a mild garden with a shady spot.