The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
Palms (family Arecaceae) form a natural and easily distinguishable group of plants and are increasingly common in outdoor landscapes in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions and indoors everywhere. However, palms differ significantly from other woody landscape plants in their cultural needs and unconventional management practices. Fortunately, the last 25 years, and especially the last five years, have seen a rapid increase in palm horticulture research. The objectives of this workshop are to bring together the most recent research-based information on palm horticulture for the landscape and nursery industries. This information is applicable to horticulturists, growers, extension agents, educators, and other professionals in the landscape and nursery industries.

Palms (family Arecaceae) are perhaps the most distinctive group of ornamental landscape plants, comprising a natural group that even laypeople can readily identify. Palms are increasingly common in outdoor landscapes in tropical and subtropical regions and have long been favorites for interiorscapes everywhere. In the United States, landscape palms are common in Florida, California, and Hawaii, and their use is increasing in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and many of the Gulf and south Atlantic coastal states. Palms are even being used outdoors in more temperate regions. However, palms differ significantly from other woody landscape plants in their cultural needs and unconventional management practices. Fortunately, the last five years have seen a rapid increase in palm horticulture research. These presentations discuss and summarize the most recent research-based information and developments in palm nutrition and fertilizers, leaf removal and tie up and transplanting, vegetative management, nursery container production, and disease management. This information is applicable to horticulturists, growers, extension agents, educators, and other professionals in the landscape and nursery industries.