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| Category: Palm |
| Family: Arecaceae (Palmae) (Palms) |
| Origin: China (Asia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Insignificant |
| Bloomtime: Not Significant |
| Height: 6-10 feet |
| Width: 8-12 feet |
| Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm) - This is a unique palm that forms dense clumps of slender stems upwards to 12 feet tall that carry neat palmate leaves. These leaves are deeply divided towards the tips with wide ribbed leaflets that are openly spaced with the tips of the divisions haveing a saw tooth edge. The trunks are covered with old leaf bases that are dark brown but if removed can reveal a very thin green ringed trunk. Best in light shade but tolerant of some direct coastal sun. Irrigate regularly to occasionally - pretty tough once established, particularly in coastal garden. Sometimes listed as hardy to the low 20s°F but we have had this plant go undamaged through our 1990 freeze with temperatures down to 18°F. Because of its tolerance to low light and low humidity it is often used as an indoor plant. Though not known in the wild Rhapis excelsa is thought to have originated from southern China and Taiwan. The name for the genus is from the Greek word 'rhapis' meaning "needle". The specific epithet is from the Latin word meaning "tall" for its tall stems, though it is not the tallest of the genus. It is also commonly called Broadleaf Lady Palm.
The information about Rhapis excelsa displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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