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Foxtail Palm Landscape Ideas

Foxtail palm landscape ideas can help fit this perfect addition to your outdoor environment.

Relatively recently discovered it was in the early 1980s in its indigenous environment in Far North Queensland, Australia. When word got out, the Foxtail Palm has become quite popular.

  • Especially because of the look, with their feathery fronds.
  • It also has that decorative type of trunk.
  • Both of those features make for a knockout look in your garden, backyard or front yard.
Red fox with a very bushy tailYes, the Foxtail Palm is named for a fox's fluffy, bushy tail.

We've got some Foxtail Palm Landscape Ideas for you, to...

Plus some Tips for Preventative Maintenance.

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Ideas For Your Foxtail Palm Landscape Placement

First, think about where to plant your foxtail palm for it to grow healthy & good-looking. Your Advance Planning for your backyard can create a unified, vibrant look that all of us palm tree lovers enjoy.

Your Climate Zone for Best Results

The USDA Climate Zone for Foxtail Palms is ideally 10b-11.

If you're in a warmer Microclimate of 10a, it can work. Not sure what Your Climate Zone is? You can Find Your USDA Zone Here>

2000 USDA Hardiness Zone MapUSDA Zone Map Effective From 1990-2000.
Newest One Shows More Warmer Zones,

Foxtail Palm Needs & Prep for its Environment

Full Sun or Partial Sun?

Foxtail palms are most happy with full sun.

  • Choose a spot that gets light for much of the day. But still, it's okay with some shady moments. 
  • If you're planting a young palm, using an overhead Protective Sun Shade for its Sun Protection is a good precaution.
  1. Just until it's established.
cartoon sun wearing sunglassesFoxtails Like the Sun!

Foxtail Palm Soil Preferences

Foxtail Palms are native to Cape York Peninsula in Queensland Australia. In only certain areas of Melville National Park and Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal lands.

That area has sandy, rocky soil. Just right for Foxtail Palms (Wodyetia bifurcata).

Map of the Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland AustraliaFar North Queensland - Locating Cape Melville National Park on Cape York Peninsula
Map to show location of Cape Melville National Park and York Peninsula Aboriginal lands. Also showing elevated areas.Foxtail Palms are Native in this Region, in areas with Elevations Up to 1200ft/365.8m

When you plant it in your own landscape, though, it's adaptable to many soil types. But remember, it Likes Soil pH to be slightly acid.

If the spot you're thinking of has loamy soil, it can do well. Just be sure it has excellent drainage.

Small pile of loam type soil on a tile surfaceCombination of sand and loam make up this soil.

Foxtail Palm Growth Rate & Height

PLAN FOR THE SPACE FOXTAIL PALMS NEED

They can grow up to 60ft/18m tall.

Think about its crown width: about 12ft/4m. With its feathery (pinnate), arching leaves.

  • Each frond begins leaflets only 10in/25cm from the trunk. 
  • Growing out all around the rachis (stalk or stem).
Close up of a Fox Tail palm's leaflet arrangementPlumose Leaflet Arrangement, Circling the Stem
Creates a nice, thick bushy looking crown.

HOW FAST DOES A FOXTAIL PALM GROW?

Consider the Foxtail Palm Tree's growth rate. Once established, these palms grow relatively quickly. With ideal conditions they can grow about 2-3ft/61-91cm per year.

  • As they grow, they want their needed space.
  • Doing Your Advance Planning to accommodate their space needs is smart - for you & the palm!
  • The good thing is, you won’t be waiting long to enjoy their delightful elegance!
Several tall Foxtail Palms with arching fronds and a bushy look.Growing Tall at Sea World, Orlando Florida

How Thirsty are Foxtail Palms?

Your Watering Schedule is important for Foxtails to look their best.

What's your Landscape Watering System?

  1. But some Hose Systems Can Simulate Drip.

Foxtail Palms need regular watering until well established. Then you can cut back a bit. As they're not overly thirsty.

They can even survive some drought, but their appearance suffers. The fronds can start yellowing.

Foxtail palms in an LA arboretum are looking poorly.Foxtail Palms in Critical Condition From Long California Drought

Ideas for a Foxtail Palm in a Backyard

Now that you've chosen your planting area, let's get some Foxtail Palm Landscape Ideas for you to plan your backyard.

This beautiful palm can give your backyard refuge the atmosphere for relaxation and calm. Here are some landscaping ideas:

Do You Have a Pool?

Plant Foxtails nearby Your Pool Area. To imitate that resort-like feel.

  • Line them up on one side, or scatter an odd number, like 3 or 5 amongst the seating area.
  • If you're only planting one palm, place it between the pool's corner and the wall of your house. 
  • Also, their lush fronds provide a bit of shade. Think of the sun's direction in relation to your poolside & seating.
Palms alongside a pool in a home's backyardAlthough these aren't Foxtail Palms, the image was created as an example of placing them poolside. Odd numbers: 3 on each side.

Add Other Tropicals

Plant some Other Coordinating Tropical Plants nearby. Hibiscus or Bird of Paradise will add attractive color.

Hibiscus flower aimed toward the sunny sky in a gardenHibiscus is Pretty in Pink!
Bird of Paradise plant adds color to a gardenTwo Colorful Blooms on a Bird of Paradise Plant

Let Your Foxtail be a Focal Point

Foxtail palms could be your landscaping all-star! Let it be your backyard's the main focus.

Purple Tango Bromeliad with its vibrant blooms on a red stemAn Amazing Purple Tango Bromeliad
Jasmine flower making a vivid contrast to its leavesJasmine for a Vivid Contrast to Dark Green Leaves

Your Tapering Landscape Plan:

  • Review height expectations of these added plantings.
  • Place the taller ones nearest the palm, with shorter plants subsequent. That creates a layered appearance.
  • This method brings the eye first to the tall palm, then streaming downward through this adjacent garden.

Group Foxtail Palm Trees in Your Backyard Landscape

You could consider grouping several foxtail palms.

  • This imitates its more natural look, as if you're sitting in its Cape York Environment.
  • A cluster of these palms creates your own luxuriant, tropical grove. Especially works well in larger yards.
Group of foxtail palms growing in a grassy gardenA Group of Foxtail Palms, with various heights, is a great idea.
If your property is large enough.

Foxtail Palm Trees Making Your Front Entrance Grand

Enhance Your Front Home Entrance

Use this Foxtail Palm Landscape Idea to make your front yard stand out.

  • Plant several (in odd numbers) Foxtail Palms in rows along entry pathways or along your driveway.
  • This technique is used to create a grand entrance.
  • As anyone (including you!) coming up to your home, with its entry bounded by these ornate palms, will feel an inviting welcome.
Foxtail Palm trees lined up along a driveway in a tropical environmentFoxtail Palms Lining the Drive Make a Grand Entry

Use the Foxtail Palm's Superb Aesthetic Appeal

Their bushy fronds create striking silhouettes against a darkening sky.

  • Install Landscape Lighting to highlight their trunk or crown.
  • Front Yard Palm Uplighting Techniques can promote enchanting shadows for nighttime ambiance at the front of your property.
  • And also bring safety to the hours of darkness.
A Foxtail Palm with emphasis on crown and crownshaftImagine Nighttime Uplighting on This Foxtail
Palm tree and other tropicals uplit at nightLike Has Been Done to These Palms

Surrounding Your Foxtail Palm With Tropicals

Planting Foxtail Palms for That Worry-Free, Happy Environment.

How? Look at their graceful, swaying leaves. They'll bring you to a tropic-like place of peace and tranquility.

Do you enjoy messing around with gardening, using your creativity to improve your landscape?

  • Why not try various coordinating plant arrangements. 
  • A Mixture Of Tropical Plants surrounding your palm adds to that balmy atmosphere. Include an assortment of textures and colors.

Here's a Fabulous Option for Patios and Decks.

three potted tropical-like plants in a row indoorsAny of These Tropic-Like Potted Plants Would Add to the Effect.

Maintenance & Care Needs
For Foxtail Palm Landscaping

Foxtail palms are pretty low-maintenance. These ideas are what you might need...

Fertilizing Foxtail Palms

Your Palm Could Use a Feed a few times a year. Fertilizing Your Foxtail Palm is something to prepare for.

Should You Prune This Palm?

Foxtail palms won't need trimming, as they take care of that themselves!

  • Since they're a Palm With a Crownshaft, meaning they'll automatically release dead fronds.
  • Just Recycle or discard them after they fall.
  • Note that bright green crownshaft atop the striped trunk, adding to their gorgeous looks.

GET A GOOD LOOK AT A FOXTAIL & ITS CROWNSHAFT

Prevention For Foxtail Palm's Three Main Problems

While these palms are hardy, Palm Problems for Foxtails are three rare susceptibilities.

Awareness of Leaf Spot on Palm Fronds

Leaf spot can occur, from a fungus infection promoted by watering overhead. Be proactive with prevention.

  • Their leaves don't need added moisture. Keep watering toward their roots.
  • Also be sure the palm has good air circulation which helps prevent fungal attacks.
  • Remember, Fungi Can Spread. If you see leaflets with ringed spots, slice off those affected leaflets asap. Hopefully, the whole frond won't have to be cut off.
Palm fronds showing green and brown spots from having a leaf spot fungusThis Leaf Spot is undiagnosed, but must be a fungus. It's on its way to blight!
Palm showing effects from runaway leaf blight Bipoarist fungus.Diagnosed (send samples to a lab for that) with Bipoaris fungus. So far gone it's now Leaf Blight!

Getting Any Drought Affecting Palms?

Even though their roots grow deeper than most palms, drought isn't a desirable situation.

  • When their somewhat thirsty needs aren't quenched, chlorotic (yellowing) leaves can result.
  • Notice it quickly & up your watering schedule.
  • Remember These Enduring a Drought?

Dangerous Times in Winter!

Worries may enter because of wintertime weather.

palm fronds with frost on edges and some brown tips from cold damageFrost all along a palm's leaf segments. Brown tips indicate cold damage.

Takeaways for Foxtail Palm Landscape Ideas

Incorporating Foxtail Palm landscape ideas is a fantastic plan. Bringing that tropical mood to your home.

They'll boosting curb appeal and/or create your own warm, tranquil oasis. Use your own creativity along with these ideas to consider endless possibilities.

Remember Your Advance Landscape Planning for placement & complementary plants to make the most of your Foxtail Palm landscaping. With a little planning you can transform your property into beautiful, outdoor spaces that you’ll love for years.

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