hardy exotic palm for shady patio

[MaryIsA]

I'm thinking of putting a palm or exotic something to give some height in a north facing shady courtyard.

Any ideas? We are north west but the courtyard is sheltered and pretty frost free. I'd rather not have something that needs wrapped or moved in winter.

Most palms and exotic looking plants will need more sun, what about a fatsia japonica? They do well in shade, are hardy and have lovely big shiny leaves that will give the look you want.

What about a hardy schefflera?

I don't think there are any palms that will cope with more than dappled shade. You could search on the RHS site.

How about a tree fern? They are very slow growing though so you will need to buy one at the height you want, which will set you back several hundred pounds if you want it to be tree sized You could plant a smaller one in a tall container to give it extra height.

I know tree ferns are £££ when big! But putting in a taller container is a good idea. And the hardy schefflera is a great shout.

I want to go for a jungly type feel....but don't have a greenhouse (yet....) to protect stuff over the winter.

For a jungle foliage look, some bamboos will grow in shade, Musa basjoo (banana) might be okay, Colcasia (elephant's ears), hostas, ferns would work, definitely Fatsia.

Torbay palm

hmm...I just took a Torbay palm out of the front garden. I appear to be horribly allergic to them.

I live in the north west and have a windmill palm which is in shade for most of the day. Growing very well

Fatsia look quite tropical and are very hardy. They also don't mind shade

Hardy palms are very slow growing.
You could try a cordyline or a phormium or even a yucca, they all have a tropical look.

I’ve got a Fatsia Japonica that’s done great in the shade. I’ve noticed they are expensive in the garden centres now, but I got a very small one and it has quickly grown to a decent size

I’ve got a fatsia that is tiny but v healthy looking so I could put that in.the windmill palm is a good shout too. Thank you.

I like these ideas.