Pachypodium geayi

RHS Plant Profile
Madagascar palm
Madagascar palm Dr John Hughes
Award of Garden Merit
Cactus Succulent Shrubs

A succulent shrub with thorny branches carrying narrow grey-green leaves silvery beneath, and salver-shaped white flowers 8cm across in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Pachypodium are shrubby succulents, mostly with thick, prickly stems, simple leaves and funnel-shaped flowers in terminal clusters
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Madagascar

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter but water sparingly occasionally to prevent wrinkling

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free