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Striking cultivar with distinctive silvery-blue foliage and exceptional drought tolerance
Brahea clara 'Icy Blue', commonly known as the Icy Blue San Jose Hesper Palm, is a striking cultivar of the San Jose Hesper Palm native to northern Mexico, particularly the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. This exceptional palm variety has gained significant attention in ornamental horticulture for its distinctive silvery-blue to icy blue foliage that creates a dramatic visual impact in any landscape setting.
As a selected form of Brahea clara, this cultivar maintains the species' architectural structure and exceptional drought tolerance while showcasing enhanced coloration that sets it apart from the standard species. The defining feature of this cultivar is its spectacular foliage, with numerous circular palmate (fan-shaped) fronds displaying an intense silvery-blue to almost white-blue coloration with a waxy, glaucous coating that reflects sunlight and creates a luminous effect in the landscape.
Each frond can measure 1–1.5 meters (3.3–5 feet) across, divided into 40–60 stiff segments. The petioles (leaf stems) extend 1–1.5 meters (3.3–5 feet) and are armed with small, curved spines along the margins, typically silver-gray to tan in color, complementing the blue tones of the leaf blades. Its remarkable resilience to challenging conditions makes it an increasingly important component of climate-adaptive landscape design.
Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' is a moderate-sized fan palm that typically reaches heights of 4–7 meters (13–23 feet) in cultivation. The palm exhibits a relatively slow growth rate, adding approximately 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) in height annually when established. Its overall silhouette is symmetrical and well-proportioned, with a crown spread of 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) at maturity, creating a refined architectural presence.
The trunk is solitary, upright, and columnar, usually measuring 25–35 cm (10–14 inches) in diameter. It features a light gray to grayish-brown surface with distinctive ring-like leaf scars that create horizontal bands around the trunk. In mature specimens, the trunk may develop a slight flare at the base. Unlike some palm species, Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' does not produce basal offshoots or develop a clumping habit.
The crown consists of numerous circular to semi-circular palmate fronds displaying intense silvery-blue to almost white-blue coloration. Each frond measures 1–1.5 meters (3.3–5 feet) across, divided into 40–60 stiff segments radiating from the attachment point. The leaf surfaces have a waxy, glaucous coating that enhances the distinctive blue coloration and reflects sunlight, creating a luminous effect. Petioles extend 1–1.5 meters and are armed with small curved spines.
Mature specimens produce pendulous inflorescences that extend beyond the crown, often reaching 2–3 meters (6.5–10 feet) in length. These branched flower stalks bear small, cream to pale yellow flowers arranged in clusters. When pollinated, flowers develop into round to ovoid fruits approximately 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 inches) in diameter, undergoing color transformation from green to brown or black at maturity.
Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' demonstrates excellent adaptability to various climates, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 9a–11. It shows remarkable cold tolerance for a blue palm, capable of withstanding brief exposure to temperatures as low as −7°C (19°F) with minimal damage when established. This cold hardiness, combined with exceptional heat and drought tolerance, makes it suitable for Mediterranean to desert climates and a wide geographic range.
This palm achieves its most vibrant icy blue coloration when grown in full sun exposure. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient sunlight will result in greener foliage with less of the distinctive blue-silver hue that makes this cultivar special. In desert regions with extreme summer temperatures, young plants may benefit from afternoon shade during establishment, but mature specimens perform admirably in full sun conditions.
Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' demonstrates outstanding adaptability to various soil types, from sandy to rocky and even clay-based soils, provided they offer good drainage. It thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5–8.0) and, unlike many palms, tolerates soils with moderate salinity, making it suitable for coastal landscapes. The palm's desert heritage enables outstanding performance in nutrient-poor soils, though it responds positively to improved fertility.
Once established, Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' showcases exceptional drought tolerance, reflecting its adaptation to arid regions of northwestern Mexico. During the establishment phase (typically first 1–2 years), regular watering is essential to develop a robust root system. Mature specimens require only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Overwatering is more problematic than underwatering for this species, as it can lead to root rot, particularly in heavier soils with poor drainage.
Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' has moderate fertilization requirements. For established specimens, apply a slow-release palm fertilizer with micronutrients two to three times per year during the growing season. In sandier soils with poor nutrient retention, more frequent applications at reduced strength may be beneficial. Avoid high-nitrogen formulations that encourage excessive green growth at the expense of the distinctive blue coloration.
Collection: Collect fully ripened fruits directly from the palm when they have turned brown to black. Cleaning: Remove the fleshy outer pulp by soaking fruits in water for 24–48 hours, then gently rubbing off softened material. Drying: Allow clean seeds to dry for 1–2 days before sowing. Note that seedlings may show some variation in blue coloration intensity.
Sow cleaned seeds in a well-draining medium consisting of equal parts perlite, coarse sand, and either peat moss or coir fiber. Plant seeds at a depth of approximately 1 cm (0.4 inches). Maintain consistent warmth with soil temperatures between 25–30°C (77–86°F) using bottom heat if necessary. High humidity (60–70%) promotes successful germination. Place in bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight during initial germination.
Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' seeds typically germinate within 2–4 months under optimal conditions, though some seeds may take longer. The first sign of germination is the emergence of a single leaf, which will initially appear more green than blue. The characteristic blue coloration typically develops as the seedling matures and is exposed to higher light levels.
Disease Prevention: Young seedlings are vulnerable to fungal diseases; maintain good air circulation and avoid overwatering. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings to individual containers when they have developed 2–3 leaves, using a well-draining palm mix. The distinctive icy blue coloration becomes more pronounced as plants mature, with significant enhancement occurring once moved to outdoor conditions with full sun exposure.
Timing: The ideal time to plant is during the warm season, allowing establishment before cooler weather arrives. Site Selection: Choose a location providing full sun and sufficient space for the palm's eventual size. Hole Preparation: Dig a hole approximately twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth. Backfill with original soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets without excessive compaction.
Irrigation: Create a shallow basin around the newly planted palm to direct water toward the root ball during initial irrigation. Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm (2–3 inch) layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it at least 15 cm (6 inches) away from the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation and potential rot. Maintain consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil for the first year.
This palm is notably low-maintenance once established. Pruning should be limited to removal of dead or damaged fronds, cutting them cleanly at the base of the petiole. Avoid the "hurricane cut" or excessive trimming of fronds, as this can stress the palm and reduce its ornamental value and health. Natural shedding of older fronds maintains attractive appearance without extensive intervention.
Brahea clara 'Icy Blue' transplants relatively well for a palm of its size, particularly when young. When transplanting is necessary, perform during the warm season, retaining as much of the root ball as possible. Reducing the canopy by removing a few of the oldest fronds can help reduce transplant shock by decreasing water demand while new roots establish.
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At VIRIAR, we specialize in delivering premium tropical plants, exotic palms, and rare seeds from our nursery in Topoľníky, Slovakia to plant enthusiasts worldwide. Every shipment is carefully packaged with phytosanitary certificates and expert care instructions to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
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