Palm-style trees for large planter

Hi

I am looking to get some palm-type trees in a planter in the back garden and am looking for some ideas on what looks nice.

There are palms i've seen before with big leafs that i like; but im not sure if these are perhaps indoor trees.

As an example, I have x2 "Cordyline 'Charlie Boy's" and then x3 "Trachycarpus Fortunei Hardy Windmill Palm".
I do not want the trees to grow TOO high e.g. twice the size as they currently are is max.


Also, can anyone recommend a good light (battery or solar) that can be put behind the trees to make it "atmospheric"?

Thanks!

 

Where abouts in the country are you? Climate has a big affect on what type of palm you will be able to grow. Raised beds are good because you can alter the soil to suit.

Chamaerops humilis might be a species to look at. It's reputed to be the second hardiest species we can grow in the uk and it's slow growing and not massive.

 

Thanks - will take a look at Chamaerops humilis.
South West - Swindon area.

 

Cordyline Charlie Boy is hardy down to minus 5C, so not ideal if you get lower winter temperatures where you are. Trachycarpus is hardy down to minus 15C but it has the potential to grow higher than 12m. However the root space in your raised bed will limit its dimensions. As @Thevictorian says, Chamaerops humilis may be more suitable. I have one in a container, but it is quite slow growing and the fronds have barbs which can be tricky .

Another option to consider is a Phormium. They don't have fronds or a trunk like a palm but a similar look as a Cordyline with strap like leaves. Choose one of the variegated varieties which are more suitable for planters.

 

The benefit of phormiums to, is they come in a wide variety of colours and can be dug up and split, or cut to the ground if needed.

 

Finally found out what the palm tree is that i was thinking of... it is "Monstera".... which looks to be generally an indoor plant... and perhaps not good for UK climate outdoors.... is that right?

Thanks!

 

Monstera is not a palm tree.
No, it's not frost hardy.

 

Yes, Monstera is a tropical plant so it won't stand even a hint of frost.

I'm surprised that you think it's palm-like though - to me it's not even similar (other than being evergreen) - it's a sprawly climber that grows up trees with its aerial roots in the wild. Usually grown on moss poles as a house plant in cooler climates. Monstera deliciosa (F) | Swiss cheese plant Shrubs/RHS

 

Monstera is indeed a tropical houseplant, and a magnificent one at that. Now, here's an idea

If you like tropical look @collinsc , why not plant an indoors tropical garden and continue the theme outdoors with hardy palm trees and similar hardy tropical planting?

A word of warning with Monstera though, you will need some serious supporting for it when it grows. And a stepladder to wipe the leaves clean.

(Google photo from here)

 

What about fatsia japonica. You can easily control the height if it gets too tall