BLUE HESPER PALM Brahea armata

Brahea armata, commonly known as Mexican blue palm or blue hesper palm, is widely planted as an ornamental. It grows to a height of 15 metres (49 ft), with a stout trunk. Its distinctly bluish leaves are 1–2 metres (3 ft 3 in–6 ft 7 in) wide, with 1-metre (3 ft 3 in) long petioles. Brahea armata has an attractive appearance, especially when young, and is commonly available at nurseries in the American southwest and in warm temperate locations elsewhere. In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is drought tolerant, can handle both partial and full sun, and temperatures down to −10 °C (14 °F). It is found under a variety of names, including "Mexican blue palm", "blue hesper palm", "big blue hesper palm", "blue fan palm", "sweet brahea", and "palma blanca".

Hardiness zones: 8-11

Germination: Presoak fresh seed in warm water for 24 hours appears to slightly hasten germination time. Keep warm (70-85F) and out of direct light. After germination transplant seedlings immediately into a deep pot as they form a tap root. Seed is sometimes slow to germinate, taking 1 to 4 months.