Alexandra King Palm

Archontophoenix alexandrae

Cold Hardy

 

The Alexandra King Palm is similar to the Royal Palm and is one of the highly desirable Florida Palm Trees. The palm is native to Queensland, Australia and got its name from Alexandra of Denmark (1844-1925), the wife of England’s Kind Edward VII.

 

The Alexandra Palm has fronds up to 7 feet long, which give the tree a graceful appearance. Its arching leaves tend to stay more vertical as they grow without excessive drooping. It bears cream colored flowers and attractive, 1/2 inch in diameter, round, bright red fruits.

 

Because it naturally occurs in the coastal rainforests in Australia, this beautiful ornamental tree enjoys humidity and plenty of water. 

 

Specifications

 

The Alexandra Palm growth rate is moderately fast (1-3 feet per year). These majestic trees grow up to heights of 40-80 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet. 

 

The hardiness zone for an Alexandra Palm is 10B-11.  King Alexanders can be severely damaged or even killed at 26 degrees F.

 

Locate in sun or partial sun as they do not adapt well to very shady conditions. As a young tree they prefer partial shade but the adults can tolerate full sun.

 

Alexandra Palms have a low salt tolerance and should not be located in areas where salt spray is prevalent.  They are self-cleaning low maintenance palm tree that do not require trimming as the dead fronds fall off on their own.

 

Care

 

Alexandra Palms do have a high water requirement and are only moderately drought tolerant.  They work best in a landscape where supplementary irrigation can be provided during dry periods.

 

Adults can tolerate some frost for a short time but the temperature should be no lower than 28 F.  

 

Apply palm fertilizer a minimum of twice a year during the growing season to prevent any nutritional deficiencies.  

 

Spacing

 

Space at least 15 feet apart to accommodate the spreading fronds of the crown. King Alexanders are attractive when they are planted in groups or as singles.  

 

Landscaping with Alexandra King Palms

 

• Wonderful when planted as solitary plants or in groupings (clusters) of two or more. 

• As a stately solitary focal point 

• Can be grown as a container palm and even as a house plant when small and young.  

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