Washingtonia robusta

The Washington Palm

A palm tree that grows well in cooler climates, Washington robusta is also commonly known as the Mexican Fan Palm. These are a single trunked palm tree with attractive foliage.

A tall growing tree that can reach 30m plus in height it is used in landscaping projects to give a tropical look. Also known as the ‘Cotton Palm’ it has large fan shaped fronds, best appreciated when the tree is young.

A slender trunk and a crown that has a spread of 7 – 10m. The trunk itself is a grey colour marked with scars from old foliage as it has dropped.

Growth rate is slow, in the early stage it will not form a trunk for 7 – 10 years. After 10 years growth rate is still only moderate.

Best grown in full sun Washington robusta is also best suited to frost free position. Soil needs to be well drained.

Washington robusta Care

A cold tolerant palm tree that will cope well with light frosts. Areas with heavy frosts are problematical.

• Full sun.
• Well drained soil.
• Best in a humus rich moist soil, however tolerant of poorer soil conditions.
• Drought tolerant once established.
• Height – To 20 metres and more.
• Spread – Will form a crown of around 5 metres.
• Growth rate – Slow as first and then medium to fast depending on soil and climate.

This is not a ‘self cleaning’ palm, so pruning away old foliage may be desirable as it hangs on to form a skirt.

Washingtonia Robusta is available for sale from the following nurseries

PLANTMARK
email ask@plantmark.com.au 
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au