Umbrella Palm

Umbrella palm is a slow-growing evergreen palm from Lord Howe Island, with a slender ringed trunk and a crown of arching dark-green fronds. Its mature size and evergreen structure make it a striking specimen where there is room for a broad crown. ## Appearance and placement Auckland Botanic Gardens describes a mature palm around 15 metres tall with a crown about 5 metres wide, and recommends it as a specimen or container plant in mixed tropical plantings. [Auckland Botanic Gardens](https://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/plants-for-auckland/plants/hedyscepe-canterburyana/) provides these dimensions and care notes. Palmpedia describes the species as a slow-growing solitary palm reaching about 10 metres, so allow generous vertical space and expect gradual development. ## Growing conditions Use humus-rich, well-drained soil and shelter young plants from strong sun. Auckland Botanic Gardens recommends shade for the first five years because fronds can scorch; palm-growing references note that mature plants can adapt to more sun in suitable mild climates. ## Maintenance Remove old fronds after they die back, mulch annually to conserve moisture, and apply an organic fertilizer in spring as new growth begins. The species also grows in a bright container where its size can be managed while young.