PLANNING YOUR TROPICAL EFFECT LANDSCAPE

Tropical plants complement a pool or spa installation. They are generally cleaner around the pool whereas natives produce a more significant leaf problem. It is important to plan your tropical landscape giving thought to the style and height of palms that you would like. The plants at Berkie Palms are acclimatised for our location and should grow on well in the region, unless in a very exposed location or incorrectly watered.

See Also: Landscaping Plants with Low Maintenance

Plant Selection & Location

Single stem palms such as Alexander and Bangalow or clumping varieties such as the Golden cane can be used individually or in combination. Consider what pipes may be under the ground adjacent to where you are considering the plantings.

Learn More: Use of Palm Trees in Landscaping

Cycads generally have a shallow root system and that of the Golden Cane is fairly shallow and non-invasive. The Giant Bird of Paradise provides a striking effect but should be kept away from pipes and footings as it root system is more extensive. All palms continue to grow and eventually produce seeds.

The seeds will drop into the pool creating a cleaning problem that could be avoided. Ideally plant Bangalow and Alexander 4m – 5m from the water’s edge. These palms are self-cleaning and will also drop leaves into the pool if planted too closely.

See Also: How to Plan Tropical Affect Landscape?

Cocos palms should not be used as the large seeds are a problem as they fall. They also attract birds whose droppings further contaminate the pool surrounds.

Group Planting

Depending on your space available, group plantings of the same species are usually effective. Several larger palms with a couple of smaller palms planted underneath create a natural layering. Kentia palms lend themselves to such an array.

Layered Assembly

Once you have chosen the type and location of your feature plants it is best to plant these upper-story plants first to see the space remaining. This lets you select under-story plants that may require initial shade. Important in this selection is the space available beside paths and consideration of palm or tropical effect species that might inadvertently cause injury to children. Although these smaller palms have a confined root system, many have thorns or spikes along the stem which may cause injury to young children. Dwarf Date palms are a good choice but they have spikes along the leaf stem which could damage a child’s eye.

Landscape Effect & Palm Size

It is usually a consideration of your budget versus the landscape effect that you want to create. A true tropical landscape is layered with taller palms providing shade and the best growing conditions for understory plantings. It is important that you provide this upper story cover as you create your tropical landscape even if it means creating your landscape over time to meet your budget.

Check: Palm Trees in Newcastle

More advanced palms generally “grow-on” better than a smaller palm which is more prone to the effects of wind, temperature and moisture. Examples of more rapidly growing palms include Alexander, Bangalow & Fishtail (if in the correct location).

Check Out: Our Collection of Palm Trees

A well-formed upper-story canopy is perhaps the most important aspect of establishing a tropical garden. The canopy produces a microclimate that is protected from the wind, is warmer and with higher humidity to aid establishment of understory palms.

Understory Options

Once you upper layering is complete consider the understory to complete your landscape. Smaller palms such as the Cascade Palm, Ponytail or Dwarf Date (if not adjacent to a pathway) are good choices. Bromeliads complete the landscape adding year round colour and filling in obvious gaps.

We will discuss planting requirements for your palms – soil watering and acclimatisation in another blog.