SEED - Blue Hesper Palm, 5 seeds

The Blue Hesper palm, also known as the Mexican Blue palm or Blue Fan palm (Brahea armata), is a striking species native to Baja California, Mexico. It is highly sought after for its unique bluish-gray or silver-blue fan-shaped leaves, which give it a very distinctive, ornamental appearance. This palm can grow up to 12 to 15 metres tall, with a sturdy, fibrous trunk and is less dominating than the likes of Bismarckia. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in arid or semi-arid climates, preferring well-drained soils and full sunlight. It produces clusters of small white to pale yellow flowers, followed by dark brown to black fruits.

In addition to its heat and drought resistance, the Blue Hesper palm is also very wind-tolerant and surprisingly cold-tolerant, withstanding temperatures as low as -10°C for short periods. This makes it also suitable for regions with occasional frost, or generally cooler but still sunny climates.

In New Zealand, particularly in areas with mild winters, the Blue Hesper palm can make a bold statement in the garden and will do especially well in coastal regions with well-drained soils. It also makes an excellent container plant as it is relatively slow growing and won't outgrow a container too quickly the way some other palms can.

These seeds have a very long viability (they can last for many years if stored correctly) and can be slow to germinate - so patience is needed, and don't be too quick to give up on them. These are gorgeous palms and well worth the wait. Instructions on how to grow them and some handy tips for speeding up their germination will be included.