General Information on Bismarck Palms
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Latest Bismarck Palm Article - Bismarckia Nobilis
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Whether or not you’re interested in dinosaurs, the Bismarck Palm will turn your head and make you think of Jurassic Park. Wherever the Bismarck Palm is placed it will draw attention with its massive silvery green fronds and its stout trunk. The Bismarck hails from the island of Madagascar, where it is becoming extinct. Due to high agricultural demands in its native land, the Bismarck has been declining in numbers while becoming a predominate palm everywhere else in the world.
The Bismarck Palm grows to an average height of 20 to 30 feet, with some growing over 40 feet tall. The Bismarck Palm Tree is a slow grower, usually growing a half to 1 foot in height a year under optimal growing conditions. The Bismarck Palm enjoys full sun and space for its massive fronds. The palmate fronds of the Bismarck Palm can reach over 3 feet in diameter and are adorned with furry veins on the surface of the leaf. The Bismarck Palm Trees beautiful crown can spread over 15 feet on top of its stout trunk which can measure over 2 feet in diameter.
The Bismarck Palm should be watered at least 3 times a week, but if it was recently transplanted or repotted, it should be watered twice a day for the first thirty days. The Bismarck is known as a very temperamental Palm when it comes to being transplanted or repotted. Bismarck Palms are known to whither down and die when being transplanted or repotted without hydration in their root systems, so every opportunity should be used to keep the roots hydrated during this time. After the Bismarck Palm has established itself into the yard or new pot, it will vibrantly shoot out new fronds.
Description of the Bismarck Palm - Bismarckia Nobilis
This massive tropical palm commands attention and inspires awe wherever it is grown. The Bismarck palm's stout trunk and symmetry of the huge crown lends a formal note while the startling blue green foliage amplifies the visual impact of this big beauty. It grows a single trunk that is smooth on mature specimens but young individuals retain old leaf bases. This palm may reach an ultimate height of 50-60 ft (15-18m) with a spread of 20 ft (6m) or more. Even young specimens that have yet to form a trunk sport full crowns of about 25 leaves with the maximum spread! The huge palmate leaves are bright light blue, waxy and are up to 10 ft (3m) across. They are supported on 6 ft (1.8 m) stems that can be 10 in (25cm) in diameter. The leaf bases split where they attach to the trunk (like those of Sabal palmetto) and the leaf stems are armed with small sharp teeth.
Other Description of the Bismark Palm - Bismarckia Nobilis
The Bismarckia nobilis is a magnificent, large palm that features a heavy crown of huge blue-green fronds which make a scraping, creaking sound in a gentle breeze! The trunk is rather stout and squat, and may reach 10 metres tall in its natural habitat. Its fruit is about 3 cm. across and brown when ripe. Once it establishes itself in cultivation, it tends to be rather fast-growing! The Bismarckia is ideal for a large grouping of palms, and looks best where it can be seen, from all directions, out in the open, where the species can truly develop its eventual grand size! It requires a sunny planting location, that is also, well-drained.
The Bismarck palm performs well where there is a distinct wet & dry season (similar to the Island of Madagascar). It also prefers a temperature range for optimal growth of from 4 degrees C. to 36 degrees C. The Bismarckia prefers rainfall when it is combined with summertime warmth, which is another reason that Coastal California is less than optimal for this handsome species of palm. Unfortunately, CA receives the bulk of its rainfall in winter when the Bismarckia is basically dormant. Due to that combination, the Bismarckia Palm can be subject to root rot in California's typical winter rainfall plus "cool" weather combination.
This is a "monotypic" genus of palm, (no other member in its genus), which is endemic to the wet & hot, then seasonally dry & coolish winter's climate typically found in Madagascar. Unfortunately, in its natural region of origin, it is not found naturally, in great numbers, any longer! It is a wonderful, and impressive palm for SE Florida, extreme So. Texas (Rio Grande Valley Region), Queensland AU, and similar climates. It is not quite so well adapted to So. California, as summer temperatures are not "tropical", but it can be found there, in limited numbers, and with mixed cultivation successes!
Your "Wise Gardener" is partial to blue-green fan palms, and rather massive, long-lived palms, that seems to have few "pests", save for the palm leaf skeletoniser, which deforms leaves, but doesn't cause more than superficial damage to the Bismarckia, and for these reasons, I have deemed the Bismarckia nobilis your December, 2000 Blue Ribbon Palm of the Month!
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Location of the Bismarck Palm - Bismarckia Nobilis
Bismarckia nobilis is native to the island of Madagascar which is off the east coast of Africa. Madagascar is home to hundreds of unique and fascinating plant and palm species. Some Palms include the bottle palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis), the traveler's palm (Ravenala madagascariensis), and the bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae). The Bismarck Palm made its way all the way from Madagascar to the fronts of many homes. The Bismarck Palms are highly cultivated in the south and has no threat to being endangered. Madagascar is an Island where there are many climates...
Culture of the Bismarck Palm - Bismarckia Nobilis
This palm is adaptable to many kinds of soil.
- Light requirement: tree grows in part shade/part sun; tree grows in full sun
- Soil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; slightly alkaline; acidic; well-drained
- Drought tolerance: high
- Aerosol salt tolerance: moderate
Hardiness of the Bismarck Palm - Bismarckia Nobilis
USDA Zones 10 - 11. Bismarck palm can be grown in the warmer parts of Zone 9 where it is occasionally damaged by freezing temperatures from which it can recover in a season. I have seen very nice specimens in Orlando, Palm Harbor and Saint Petersburg, Florida (all in Zone 9).
Flower of the Bismarck Palm - Description
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Fruits of the Bismarck Palm - Description
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Propagation/Germination of the Bismarck Palm Seeds
Seeds germinate easily in 6 to 8 weeks. Proper cleaning needs to take place. Fruit needs to be pealed off completely
Trunk and Branches of the Bismarck Palm
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Foliage of the Bismarck Palm
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Usage of the Bismarck Palm - Bismarckia Nobilis
Bismark Palm - Because of its huge ultimate size and mass, the Bismarck palm is not recommended for small yards as it dominates its space, dwarfing and obscuring adjacent structures. This palm is best planted where it can serve as a focal point. Planted against a dark backdrop of foliage, it serves as living sculpture adding drama and interest to the landscape.
Several of these palms placed together in a commercial or large residential setting can contrast dramatically with existing vegetation, providing a wonderful relief from the greens so common in most landscapes. Single specimens are also attractive and well suited for most residential-sized landscapes. A row of Bismarck Palms spaced 15 feet apart along each side of an entry road or wide walkway can create a dramatic impact. Even if you do not collect palms, this one should be considered when planning a landscape in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Bismarck Palm should be grown in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soil. This palm is highly drought- and salt-tolerant and is becoming more popular. As is the case with a number of palms, it cannot be transplanted until a trunk develops and is visible at the base of the plant.
Features of the Bismarck Palm - Bismarckia Nobilis
Bismarckia nobilis is the only species in the genus. It was a relatively recent introduction to American landscapes (and other warm zone regions of the world). Bismarck palm is rapidly gaining popularity as it is a spectacular species that is drought tolerant and not as subject to disease and nutritional deficiencies as many other landscape palm species. If you have the space to accommodate its impressive bulk, try this handsome brute in your garden.
Distribution and habitat
Found only in Madagascar, an island well-known for its rich diversity of unique taxa, Bismarckia is one genus among a diverse palm flora (some 170 palms of which 165 are solely in Madagascar).[3] They grow in the plains of the central highlands, nearly reaching the western and northern coasts, in savannas of low grass, usually in lateritic soil. As much of this land has been cleared with fire for agricultural use, Bismarckias, along with other fire-resistant trees like Ravenala madagascariensis and Uapaca bojeri, are the most conspicuous components of this arid region
Cultivation of the Bismarck palm
Bismarck Palms are grown throughout the tropics, subtropics and favor temperate microclimates. Mature Fruiting specimens are now seen in the Orlando area and north of Tampa Bay in Florida. They will suffer from cold damage, but they quickly recover. The green variety is more cold sensitive than is the silver-gray variety. The green ones are damaged at 32°F (0°), but the silver-gray ones will tolerate 28°F (-3°C) and will recover from 23°F (-6°C). While they tolerate some drought, they thrive in areas with adequate rainfall. Because of their massive crowns, they need plenty of room in a landscape area.
Buying Wholesale Bismarck Palm Trees
Buying Bismarck Palms should be easy. Finding a company do it all from beginning to end and for a reasonable price is the hassle. This shouldn't be the problem. Local Nurseries will not offer wholesale pricing on the Bismarck Palm just because they are very sought after and they need to make the money for over head and water and electricity. Now when you find the growers of the Bismarck Palm you will then find out cheaper prices and you can either pick the Bismarck palms up or have them delivered to you. Shipping will most likely be extra but never pay more than 500 for shipping for a half truck load in the state of Florida. The going rate for a whole truck load in the state of Florida is 1000.00, so naturally half a truck load will be half of that. The great thing about it, is that you can add as many as you want for the same price for shipping one. The Bismarck Palms are transplant sensitive and will need extra care but is well worth the results. To buy Wholesale is easier than you think. Find a close wholesale palm place and call them up. You can either ask them straight up if they we sell to a regular person. Or you can just tell them your with a company. Usually they are lenient and will not ask for nay documentation. I know I bought From RealPalmTrees.com Wholesale with out papers. Usually Palm Nursery's have the Bismarck Palm.
Use and Management of the Bismarck palm
Several of these palms placed together in a commercial or large residential setting can contrast dramatically with existing vegetation, providing a wonderful relief from the greens so common in most landscapes. Single specimens are also attractive and well suited for most residential-sized landscapes. A row of Bismarck Palms spaced 15 feet apart along each side of an entry road or wide walkway can create a dramatic impact. Even if you do not collect palms, this one should be considered when planning a landscape in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Bismarck Palm should be grown in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soil. This palm is highly drought- and salt-tolerant and is becoming more popular. As is the case with a number of palms, it cannot be transplanted until a trunk develops and is visible at the base of the plant.
Quick History
The Bismarck Palm received its name from Otto Von Bismarck, who was a Chancellor of the German Empire during the 19th century. Nobilis was Latin for Noble, and hence the scientific name for the Bismarck Palm Tree was deemed Bismarckia Nobilis, after the Noble Otto Von Bismarck. Otto left a large legacy behind and was predominately known as “The Iron Chancellor”, for his influence in International Politics.
Bismarck Palm Nursery
Quick Bismarck Palm Description added with all other descriptions
The Bismarck palm is an incredibly beautiful palm tree due to its majestic appearance and attractive, blue-grey fronds color. The scientific name of this tropical tree is Bismarckia nobilis.Bismarck Palm Nursery
The Bismarck palm is native to Madagascar and suitable for sub-tropical climates. The impressive specimen is a fairly fast grower. It looks the best when grows in full sun and well drained sandy soil. The spectacular specimen requires a lot of growing space for its size.
The Bismarck palm has a stout trunk and a huge crown of the large, symmetrical, fan-shaped, stiff, waxy, blue-grey fronds. Young specimens retain old leaf bases, and mature trees have smooth trunks. The petioles are covered with small sharp teeth. The tropical plant bears large stalks of cream flowers up to 4 feet long. The fruits are not-eatable, round, 1/2 inch in diameter, brown.
Conclusion
You will never forget a Bismarck Palm when you see one for the first time. Like it was said before, the movie Jurassic Park will come across your mind. The Bismarck Palm is really a Jurassic-sized palm tree. So whether your in the mood to bring amazement or just to create a buzz in the neighborhood, the Bismarck Palm will do just that and much more.
- Bismarck Palm Trees Stand Out
- Bismarck Palm Trees Are Drought Tolerant
- Bismarck Palm Trees Can Survive Cold Winters
- Bismarck Palm Trees Love HEat
- Bismarck Palm Trees Can Grow rapidly up to 50 Ft Tall
- Bismarck Palm Trees Will Create a Center Peice anywhere planted
