Alexander Palm / Solitaire Palm

Scientific Name: Archontophoenix alexandrae

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade. Young palms appreciate some protection from harsh afternoon sun, while established palms can handle more direct sunlight with regular moisture.

Height: Typically 25–40 ft. tall in Florida landscapes, with a narrow canopy spread of about 10–15 ft.

Plant Spacing: Space about 10–15 ft. apart for single specimen use or formal row planting. Allow at least 8–10 ft. from structures, roofs, walkways, pools, and driveways to account for the mature canopy, falling fronds, and fruit clusters.

Growth Habit: Moderate to fast-growing single-trunk feather palm with a smooth gray trunk, bright green crownshaft, and graceful arching fronds. It has a clean, upright, tropical appearance.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 10b–11; cold sensitive and may be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures; moderately drought tolerant once established but performs best with regular irrigation; moderate salt tolerance, though it is best protected from heavy direct salt spray.

Maintenance Info: Low to moderate maintenance. Alexander Palm is generally self-cleaning, meaning old fronds usually drop on their own. Provide good drainage, regular watering during establishment, and palm fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid planting too close to structures or high-traffic areas where falling fronds or fruit clusters may create cleanup.

Best Uses in the Landscape: Excellent as a tropical specimen palm, driveway or entryway accent, pool-area palm, courtyard planting, formal row planting, or clean vertical accent in tighter spaces. Its smooth trunk and narrow habit make it useful where a refined tropical palm is desired without a wide clumping base.

Plant Info: Alexander Palm is native to northeastern Australia and is valued for its smooth trunk, bright green crownshaft, and elegant tropical look. The name “Alexander” comes from its scientific name, alexandrae, which honors Princess Alexandra of Denmark, later Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom. In Florida landscapes, it gives a polished, resort-style appearance and works especially well where a clean, upright palm is needed without the bulk of larger palms.