RIBBON PALM
This palm is one of our favorites. The Ribbon palm is a cousin to the Chinese Fan palm. It shares the characteristic of a ringed trunk as the old palm boots are removed. These rings can be colorful, expressive, and dynamic. The thorns are hooked and sharp, making trimming an interesting task. While not typically a centerpiece, all palms can become centerpieces when used in clusters. This requires some creativity, but that’s what we do, so don’t hesitate to ask.
The Ribbon fan palm, scientifically known as Livistona decipiens, is a valuable addition to any landscape. To ensure its delicate leaves remain intact, it should be planted in areas shielded from strong winds. Ideal locations include openings among trees or against walls or structures that can highlight its elegant form. Smaller specimens do well in containers and grow quickly, making them perfect for gardeners seeking rapid results.
This palm is characterized by its tall and slender appearance, with a graceful beauty marked by a nearly spherical symmetrical crown atop an arrow-straight trunk that typically reaches heights of 30 feet. The costapalmate leaves are notable for their size—up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) wide on stems measuring 6 feet (1.8 meters). “Costapalmate” describes leaves that are between palmate (hand-shaped) and pinnate (feather-shaped). The narrow folded segments of the leaves measure 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) long and 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) wide, with about 80 segments radiating from the stem like delicate ribbons.
Yellow flowers bloom on a hidden inflorescence among the leaves, reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters), followed by small black fruits approximately half an inch (1.3 cm) in diameter.
The Ribbon fan palm adapts well to various soil types except those that are wet or soggy and thrives in conditions ranging from part shade to full sun exposure while being drought-tolerant once established; however, young palms require watering until they settle in their environment fully.
This species is hardy within USDA Zones 9 through 11.