OLD MAN PALM & THE SEA

Standing tall with a bearded trunk emerging straight from the ground, the Old Man palm is perfect for your seashore residence. Just a heads up, though: This particular Old Man has been known to dominate conversations based on his looks alone. Five-foot spiky flower sprays spring right out of his crown, and widespread fronds – emerald green on top and silvery green on the bottom – jut straight out of his trunk.

If you think one Old Man looks good, wait until you see several in a group setting. Thing is, though, these Cuban natives are a bit pricey (due to their thick layers of wool-like fibers). You may just want to plant one as a strong focal point.

What are the Old Man’s needs? Well, he can get pretty cranky if it’s too humid or windy because that means he’ll have a seriously bad beard day. He might even lose parts of his beard altogether. So plant him in a small protected area in your Southwest Florida landscape and he won’t complain. He’s happiest getting full or partial sun and prefers a moist, well-drained soil. (Yes, like most old men, he’s set in his ways and wants what he wants.)

Intrigued? Consult a professional landscape designer to learn more about how this rare rugged palm can accentuate your Florida landscape and make it look new again.