Bismarckia nobilis 'Purple' – Purple Bismarck Palm

Product Description

The Purple Bismarck Palm is a striking and highly ornamental palm prized for its large, rigid, fan-shaped leaves that develop in distinctive silvery-purple to deep purple-blue tones. Its bold foliage and symmetrical crown create an exceptional architectural feature in modern and tropical landscapes.

This impressive palm develops a sturdy trunk and broad, rounded crown as it matures. Its unusual foliage colour makes it particularly effective as a standalone specimen, providing strong contrast against green lawns and surrounding foliage.

Common Names

• Purple Bismarck Palm
• Purple Bismarckia
• Bismarck Palm
• Silver Bismarck Palm

Correct Botanical Name

Bismarckia nobilis

Cultivar/colour form: 'Purple'
Note: “Purple Bismarck” is commonly used in the nursery trade to describe the purple or purple-blue foliage form of Bismarckia nobilis rather than a separate species.

Product Details

• Plant Type: Evergreen fan palm
• Foliage: Large, fan-shaped leaves
• Foliage Colour: Purple, silvery-purple to blue-purple
• Growth Habit: Upright trunk with a broad, symmetrical crown
• Origin: Madagascar
• Landscape Character: Bold and architectural

Benefits

• 🌴 Exceptional purple-silver foliage
• 🌿 Strong architectural form
• ☀️ Excellent feature plant for sunny gardens
• 🌳 Creates a dramatic focal point
• 🌿 Evergreen foliage
• 🏡 Excellent contrast against green landscaping
• 🌴 Ideal as a specimen palm

Recommended Growing Medium & Compost

Bismarckia nobilis performs best in fertile, well-drained soil.

Recommended:

• Good-quality loamy garden soil
• Well-decomposed compost incorporated into the planting area
• Organic matter to improve soil structure
• Grit or coarse material where heavy soils require improved drainage

Avoid permanently waterlogged conditions.

Recommended Fertiliser

Use a slow-release palm fertiliser containing the major nutrients together with palm-specific micronutrients.

Ideally, use a fertiliser containing:

• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Iron and other trace elements

Apply according to the manufacturer's recommended rate during active growth. Mature compost can also be used as an organic soil conditioner.

Growing Conditions

• ☀️ Light: Full sun
• 💧 Water: Regular watering while establishing; relatively drought tolerant once established
• 🌱 Soil: Fertile and very well drained
• 🌿 Growth: Upright with a broad crown
• 🌬️ Position: Open position with plenty of space
• 🌡️ Climate: Warm conditions are ideal