Archontophoenix alexandrae

Common Names

Northern Bangalow Palm, King Palm, Alexandra Palm, Alexander Palm, Feather Palm

Summary

Alexander palm is a tropical Australian palm native to Queensland. It grows tall and slender, typically reaching 15–30 m in height with a smooth trunk and a prominent crownshaft, a crown of 8–12 pinnate fronds carrying 60–80 leaflets per side and fronds up to about 4.5 m wide, white to cream inflorescences 50–100 cm long, and bright red fruits 8–14 mm long.

Hardiness zones 10–11 and frost-sensitive. It thrives in tropical to subtropical conditions with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering and humidity aid establishment; avoid soggy conditions. Propagation by seeds with rapid germination under warm, moist conditions. Commonly used ornamentally in parks, streets, and gardens and widely cultivated, it can be grown indoors when young.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

82-98 ft

Spread

10-15 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White to cream

Bloom Time

Year-round

Foliage Color

Dark green foliage with a silvery-grey underside

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen (green year-round)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast growing, 0.6–1.0 m per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds; offsets/suckers (rare); micropropagation (tissue culture) possible but not common

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, attracts other pollinators, attracts birds