lady palm

Rhapis excelsa

HouseplantArecaceae

RHS AGM 1993

lady palm
Deer-resistantDrought tolerantEvergreen
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 15 feet tall6 to 15 feet wide
Growth rate
Slow
Habit
Erect
Bloom season
Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Bloom color
Yellow
Foliage color
Green
Soil types
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, neutral

Garden uses

ContainerHedgeLow maintenanceWinter interestXeriscape

Notes

Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa) is a houseplant for containers, hedges, and low maintenance spots. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, loamy soil. It is an evergreen palm with an erect habit and a slow growth rate. It can reach 6 to 15 feet tall, and it tolerates drought once settled.

Pairs well with Christmas fern, Mondo grass, and Red spider lily.

Native range

Asia.