Question
My garden is located on top of ridge near Marigot St Lucia. The ground is very rocky below a depth of 1foot. Can i plant Bismarckia nobilis 1 or 2 year old. Can they survive the rockie ground, and if so how deep and wide hole should i make. the top of the hill is very hot and sunny.
Thank You , regards... Wanda

Answer
Hi Wanda,  This palm may reach an ultimate height of 50-60 ft (15-18m) with a spread of 20 ft (6m) or more. Even young specimens that have yet to form a trunk sport full crowns of about 25 leaves with the maximum spread! The huge palmate leaves are bright light blue, waxy and are up to 10 ft (3m) across. They are supported on 6 ft (1.8 m) stems that can be 10 in (25cm) in diameter. The leaf bases split where they attach to the trunk (like those of Sabal palmetto) and the leaf stems are armed with small sharp teeth.  Once established it can be drought tolerant.  My thought would be if in fact it could grow in your conditions, is it in a place that is not windy as it roots may find it hard to weave its way through the rocks to hold on tight?  Not sure if this helps or just gives you another question.  kathy