The Blue Hesper Palm Tree, scientific name Brahea armata, is one of the most popular palm trees in Florida, because of its unique appearance and low maintenance. This stunning palm would be a great focal point for any landscape. Can also be grown indoors in a container. Brahea armata can tolerate cold temperatures down to 15F and can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.

​

​

Blue Hesper Palm Tree Info

​

Scientific name: Brahea armata

​

Common names: The Blue Hesper Palm is also known as Mexican Blue Palm, Blue Palm, Sweet Brahea Palm, and Gray Goddess.

​

Family: Arecaceae

​

Origin: It is native to Mexico.

​

Appearance: The Blue Hesper Palm has a single gray trunk which is topped with beautiful silvery-blue fan-shaped fronds. Lightly swollen at the base trunk is ringed with scars from old leaf bases. The trunk can get up to 1.5ft in diameter. It requires some maintenance, if the dead leaves are not trimmed or dropped off they form a brown skirt.

Brahea armata has one of the bluest fronds in the world. It has 25-20 palmate, or fan-shaped, fronds with 40 to 60 leaflets which can range from pastel bluish-white or silver-blue to aquamarine in color. The Blue Hesper Palm has waxy stems that are covered with dark curved thorns.

​

Flowers/Fruits: During the summer months Blue Hesper Palm produces beautiful white fragrant flowers that grow in clusters up to 3ft long. They hang down from the leaves extending much farther than the leaves’ length. Flowers are bisexual, and male and female flowers are on the same inflorescence. The Blue Hesper Palm flowers are considered to be one of the most beautiful palm flowers. As flowers mature they are followed by reddish-brown editable fruits. These berry-like fruits are about ¾ inch in diameter and have a single round seed inside.

​

Growth Rate: Slow. This slow-growing palm can get up to 30 – 40 ft tall and 10 – 15 ft wide.

​

Outdoor/Indoor Use: Both. This palm tree does very well in a pot and can grow indoors.

​

Cold Tolerance: It can tolerate cold down to 15F when mature enough. It is great for zones 8b (15 to 20 F) to 11 (above 40 F).

​

Light Req: Full sun being native to the desert, Blue Hesper Palm likes full sun and can tolerate drought.

​

Water Req: Moderate. The Blue Hesper Palm doesn’t require a lot of water and prefers moist well-drained soil. It will tolerate salty soil. It does well in alkaline soil, so adding lime to the soil will help it to grow faster.

​

Maintenance: Easy. Apply good quality palm fertilizer that has a continuous release formula twice a year during the growing season.

​

Insects and Diseases: Generally healthy palm.

​

Propagation: Propagated from seed. It takes from 4-5 months to germinate.

​

​

Top 10 Benefits Of The Blue Hesper Palm Tree

The Blue Hesper Palm tree, also known as Brahea armata, offers numerous benefits that contribute to its popularity.

​

1. Decorative Appeal: Its blue-green fronds and sculptural silhouette provide a unique aesthetic to landscapes.

2. Drought Tolerance: This palm can survive in arid conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.

3. Cold Resistance: It can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius.

4. Longevity: Blue Hesper Palms have a long lifespan, which can reach over 100 years.

5. Low Maintenance: Once established, these palms require minimal care.

6. Eco-friendly: They help in carbon sequestration, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

7. Wildlife Habitat: They provide food and shelter for a variety of bird species.

8. Shade Provider: Mature trees offer significant shade, helping to cool down surrounding areas.

9. Soil Stability: Their root system can help prevent soil erosion.

10. Edible Seeds: The palm's seeds are edible, providing a source of nutrition.