Butia capitata

RHS Plant Profile
jelly palm

Other common names

pindo palm

Synonyms

Butia bonnetii

Award of Garden Merit
Palms

An elegant palm with long, arching, grey-green leaves. Tolerant of cold and wet conditions it can make a great specimen plant in mild areas, but will require some protection in areas with very harsh winter weather

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Chalk, Clay

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Chalk Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Arecaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
A genus of relatively hardy palms, native to South America, with feathery, grey-green drooping foliage, some grown as stemless plants and others as small trees. Many species of Butia produce edible fruits which can be made into jellies and alcoholic drinks
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Brazil to Uruguay

How to Grow

Cultivation

If growing in pots, use a peat-free, loam-based compost and position in full sun. Water freely in summer and apply a balanced liquid feed weekly. In very cold areas the pots should be moved to a sheltered corner or greennhouse over winter. In milder areas plant into the ground in spring, selecting a sheltered site where the ground does not become waterlogged. See palm cultivation outdoors for further information

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 25°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to red spider mite and scale insects if grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free