Palm
Bismarck Palm
Bismarckia nobilis
Varieties We Carry
SilverBismarckia nobilisStandardBismarckia nobilis
Sizes & Pricing
7 galFrom$69.95
15 galFrom$195.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 25.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size30-60 feet × 12-16 feet
About Bismarck Palm
Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis) is a massive, solitary fan palm native to the open savannas of Madagascar, instantly recognizable by its enormous silvery-blue to green palmate fronds that can span up to ten feet. A dramatic landscape specimen, it develops a stout trunk and is one of the most visually commanding palms in cultivation. Starting at $69.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established. Can be planted with extra attention to watering.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun; Bismarck palms require unobstructed sunlight for healthy growth and their characteristic silvery-blue frond color. They can tolerate brief partial shade but perform best with 8+ hours of direct sun.
Water
Water deeply and frequently for the first 1–2 months after planting, then taper to 2–3 times per week for several months until established. Once mature, Bismarck palms are highly drought-tolerant and rarely need supplemental irrigation in NE Florida.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Fertilize with a controlled-release palm fertilizer (8-2-12 with micronutrients) two to three times per year to prevent potassium and magnesium deficiencies, which are common in Florida's sandy soils. Do not use standard lawn fertilizers.
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Common questions
Is Bismarck Palm a good plant for St. Augustine?
Bismarck Palm is a palm for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 30-60 feet × 12-16 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.