Pritchardia hillebrandii

huelo loulu palm
Charismatic, modest-size fan palm from Molokai. Pleated leaves have petioles dusted in a light creamy fuzz. Protect from frost. Good in pots.
Pritchardia hillebrandii
synonyms Pritchardia insignis
height 5–12ft
width 6–10ft
tolerates Cool Summers, Wind
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 This palm should be watered deeply every week or two once it’s established. It doesn’t want to ever dry out completely.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Palm Fertilizer
origin Hawaii, USA
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 17, 22–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Best grown along the coast of California in frost free areas. This palm is completely intolerant of inland hot dry winds even in frost free areas.
Moderately tolerant of windy locales, better than other types of pritchardia.
Palms are generally heavy feeders, so if you want them growing quickly and looking their best, they should be fertilized at least three times a year. Fertilizing at spring equinox, summer solstice and fall equinox will allow for a winter rest. Be sure to feed your palm with a fertilizer that contains micronutrients (especially including magnesium), especially if you see yellowing leaves or yellow spots on the leaves.
This palm prefers well drained soil, but is adaptable to most soil types, including clay.

Special Interest

A single blue form is known in Hawaii where this palm is from. Seedlings from this tree start off blue, but later turn green.

Fan palms have leaflets spreading from the tip of the rachis, giving the crown of the palm a rounded full look. They tend to rustle in the breeze, adding a soothing note to the garden.