Palmiers et Spikey

Hardy palms and spiky plants

Palms, cordylines, phormiums, yuccas and agaves for a bold, exotic look in pots and borders.

Plants with big sword-shaped or fan-shaped leaves give a garden structure in much the same way topiary does, just with a looser, more exotic feel. One in a large pot makes a statement on its own. They also work as a pair either side of a door, or dotted through a gravel garden.

Which ones are hardy?

The Chusan palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is the hardiest palm for growing outside in the UK, and once it's established it copes with frost down to about -15°C. Cordyline australis, the cabbage palm, does well in milder areas and by the coast. Phormium, or New Zealand flax, comes in green, bronze and striped forms with pink or cream. Yuccas and some agaves are fine outdoors too, provided they have sharp drainage and aren't left sitting in wet soil over winter.

Looking after them

Most spiky plants want full sun and soil that drains freely. Winter wet kills more of them than cold does. In pots, mix grit into the compost and stand the pot on feet so the water can run away. If a hard frost is forecast, tie the leaves of a cordyline up around its centre to protect the growing point, and wrap young palms in fleece. Wear gloves around yuccas and agaves, because the leaf tips are sharp.

Availability

This range changes with the seasons and may be empty at times. If you're looking for something specific, get in touch. Every plant comes with free plant food.