Foxtail palms or ‘Wodyetia bifurcata’ are used widely in landscaping, with trunks to nearly 10m when mature and showy displays of foliage that has the appearance of a ‘Foxtail’. These are a hardy palm and prefer a well drained position.
These trees are native to northern Australia, although they are very adaptable. It is the foliage that curves gracefully that give the plant its common name.
For a palm tree that was not discovered until the late 1800s, its popularity around the world has risen quickly. Foxtail palms are popular with developers and landscapers.
How To Grow Foxtail Palms
They will grow as far south as Melbourne and will do well it pots. Foxtail Palms are reasonably fast growing given appropriate conditions.
This is a plant that prefers full sun to part shade and benefit from regular watering when young as well as the regular application of an appropriate fertilizer.
They are deep rooted and reasonably drought tolerant once established. Foxtail Palms are used widely in street plantings, as specimen trees and in group plantings.
They are a popular palm tree with are a very popular palm with landscapers, as are hardy and do well in a range of climates.
Used widely in landscaping foxtail palms are available as container grown trees to 4-5 m. Larger palms (ex ground stock) are also available for transplanting.
This is a ‘self cleaning palm’ , which means it will naturally drop its old fronds, this eliminates the need for pruning.
Watering Foxtail Palms
These are a plant with a deep root system, so watering needs to be slow to give the water time to sink well down into the ground. Shallow watering encourages the root system to the surface which is not desirable.
‘Wodyetia bifurcata’ – Summary Information
- Height – Will reach 10 metres over time.
- Spread – Will form a crown of 3 – 5 metres across.
- Growth rate – Regarded as fast in warm climates.
- Position – Full sun to part shade.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Foliage – Arching mid to light green fronds.
- Trunk – smooth and self cleaning.
- Frost tolerance – Light frosts only.
Foxtail Palms are available from the following wholesale nurseries.
Clays Rd Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Wholesale Palm Trees. Large range of palm trees in 45L bags at 5-6 years of age from 1-4 meters depending on variety. Available from QLD to Victoria.
www.palmsonline.com.au
ROLLINGSTONE WHOLESALE PALM NURSERY
26 Bruce Hwy, (P O Box 205) Rollingstone Qld 4816
phone: 0747707359 fax: 0747707847
Wholesale tropical assorted palms specialising in 8-10″ pots 3-5′ high, sun hardened, excellent condition, ready to plant.