Coccothrinax macroglossa ‘Azul’, Thatch Palm ‘Azul’

🌴 Coccothrinax macroglossa ‘Azul’ – Cuban Silver-Blue Thatch Palm

Belonging to the genus Coccothrinax, this extraordinary palm is one of the most exciting novelties from Cuba’s flora. Found only in a few populations in Camagüey, the rare Coccothrinax macroglossa ‘Azul’ is known as the Azul Thatch Palm. Its foliage displays a magnificent contrast: a dense, shiny white-silver underside and a steely blue, waxy silver upper surface. The effect easily rivals the great Bismarckia, yet on a more compact and manageable scale.

Unlike many silver-blue palms, the Azul Thatch Palm thrives in true tropical conditions while also tolerating warm temperate climates, provided it is not exposed to more than an occasional light freeze. Its adaptability, combined with its rarity and striking foliage, makes it one of the crown jewels of Cuban palms. 🌿

✨ Highlights

• Magnificent silver-blue fan leaves – glowing white below, steely blue above.
• Comparable in beauty to Bismarckia, but far more manageable in size.
• Rare Cuban palm from the genus Coccothrinax, limited to Camagüey populations.
• Performs beautifully in both tropical and warm temperate conditions.
• Drought resistant once established; loves full sun and excellent drainage.

🌱 Care Guide

• Light: Full sun is recommended to bring out the brightest silver-blue color.
• Water: Water moderately; allow soil to dry between waterings. Excellent drought tolerance when established.
• Soil: Requires well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged areas.
• Hardiness: Suitable for the tropics and warm temperate zones. Protect from prolonged frost; tolerates only occasional light freezes.
• Growth Rate: Slow at first, then quickens once a trunk forms.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced palm fertilizer during the growing season for best results.

📏 Size & Habit

With an ultimate height of about 6 m (20 ft), the Azul Thatch Palm grows into a slender, elegant form topped with a crown of radiant silver-blue fans. Its size is far more manageable than the massive Bismarckia, making it an ideal choice for landscapes, collectors, or tropical display gardens.

The Coccothrinax macroglossa ‘Azul’ is truly a living treasure of Cuba—a palm that brings shimmering elegance, rarity, and a touch of the Caribbean into any space. 🌴💙