Washingtonia robusta, or Mexican Cotton Fan Palm, is a tall, fast-growing palm that brings instant tropical vibes to the garden. It has a slim trunk that gets a noticeable swell at the base as it matures, giving it a really cool, sculptural look. The big, fan-shaped leaves can reach up to 1.5 m long, with little thread-like fibres that hang between the segments—hence the “cotton” nickname. In the warmer months, it sends out long, drooping sprays of tiny white flowers that can be up to 3 m long, followed by dark brown fruit. A great pick for adding height, drama, and that relaxed, tropical feel to gardens and outdoor spaces.
Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, frost(!) and coastal tolerant
Size: Height 10+m x width 2.5-4m
Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, frost(!) and coastal tolerant
Size: Height 10+m x width 2.5-4m