Brahea Armata

Brahea armata, also known as blue fan palm or blue hesper palm, has beautiful blue-green fronds that help it to deflect heat from the desert sun.

Hailing from warm and dry regions in North America, this palm has a similar appearance and growth requirements as the California fan palm and Mexican fan palm. It is heat, drought, and pest-resistant, making it a fine palm to grow in our Coachella Valley region.

Botanical name: Brahea armata

Other names: Blue fan palm, blue hesper palm, Mexican blue fan palm, Mexican hesper palm

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Waxy blue-green fronds form a crown at the top of the palm tree. Large, 5-7 feet wide fronds that are palmate, i.e, shaped like fans. The base of the leaves contain sharp spines.

Typically grows to 30 feet tall and 7 feet wide when cultivated. In its original habitat, can grow to over 50 feet tall.

Tall gray trunk has markings from old leaves. The trunk is slightly wider at the base.

Flower stalks about 10 feet long grow small, white-yellow flowers when in bloom, followed by fruits that turn brown as they mature.

Brahea armata is from near our region, in warm and dry areas of northern Mexico. It performs well in Palm Springs, resisting drought and heat well.

Plant blue hesper palm with either California fan palm or Mexican fan palm in a cluster in areas such as near the swimming pool or in the corner of a yard for a tropical look. They have similar growing requirements.

Plant alongside a driveway or long wall in equal distance for a sophisticated look.

Dense crown. Beautiful desert shrub appearance when young with a short trunk.

Dead fronds remain on the tree and form skirts. We recommend removing them periodically to lessen damage from falling palms from strong winds.

Showy flowers remain on the tree for a long blooming season.

Grows about 1-2 feet per year.

Northern Mexico, in areas that experience warm and dry weather.

Soil: Well draining soil. We recommend using fertilizer formulated for palm trees to keep the fronds green and healthy.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time.

Water: Provide occasional, deep watering so that the water can reach the roots. Allow the soil to completely dry out in-between waterings.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Pests: Brahea armata has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from rot and nutrient deficiencies.

Signs of overwatering: Wilted fronds, especially with brown tips. Soil that never dries out.

Signs of too little water: Yellowing fronds, weak fronds

Signs of too much sun: Burning, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, yellowing fronds

Gather seeds and plant in moist soil.

How much does Brahea Armata cost?

At our nursery, Brahea armata costs $55 for a 5 gallon container, $150 for a 15 gallon container, $350 for a 24” box, $850 for a 36” box, and $2000 for a 48” box.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Is blue hesper palm drought tolerant?

Yes, blue hesper palm (brahea armata) is originally from warm and dry regions of Northern Mexico. To establish a healthy brahea armata, provide periodic, deep watering instead of frequent, shallow watering.

How tall does A Brahea Armata get?

Typically grows to 30 feet tall and 7 feet wide when cultivated. In its original habitat, it can grow to over 50 feet tall.