flowering palm tree

iainc · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 25 Jul 2015 Posts: 4

Hi, new here, so interested to see the topics on palm trees below. This palm came to us about 15 years ago and spent the first 5 or so years in a big tub till it was planted out in South Sligo about 10 years ago. It has grown steadily with a few runners but about two weeks ago started to sprout this flower head. Max height of the spikes is about 6 feet, so this flowering portion is about 3 feet. Is this normal behaviour, what will happen to the flower. Any info greatly appreciated.

Good guy · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:51 pm Post subject:

Hi, Ianc. There's something wrong with how your picture downloads! Have you re-sized it?
I think your plant is a cordyline and this flowering is normal behaviour in a healthy plant. I have one that has just finished flowering.
If your's goes like mine, some of the flowers may develop seed pods. When the flowering is finished you can remove the whole flower stalk with secateurs.

iainc · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 25 Jul 2015 Posts: 4

Good guy - the pic was pretty big so it has been printed as a .pdf which should open up if you have Adobe installed.
If it is a cordyline, is it normal that it would first flower at this age, about 15 years?

iainc · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 25 Jul 2015 Posts: 4

A quick google of Cordyline in flower comes up trumps so thanks for the steer, Good guy.

iainc · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 25 Jul 2015 Posts: 4

A quick google for Cordyline in flower comes up trumps so thanks for the steer, Good guy.

Good guy · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 9:51 pm Post subject:

The plant presumably has optimum conditions now and can afford to expend the considerable amount of energy required to grow flowers and make fruit/seeds. Give it a feed after flowering to build it up again for next year.