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pitt island nikau palm

The Pitt Island Nikau Palm is one of New Zealand’s most sought-after hardy palms, loved for its lush, tropical appearance and unique adaptability. If you’re seeking an elegant statement plant that thrives in cooler climates, the Pitt Island Nikau Palm is a prime choice. Native to Pitt Island in the remote Chatham Islands group, this rare palm (Rhopalostylis aff. sapida ‘Pitt Island’) stands out for its ability to handle wind, frost, and coastal conditions far better than most palms. This makes it ideal for gardeners across New Zealand looking to add timeless style and greenery to shaded corners, courtyards, or as a focal point in subtropical or native planting schemes.

Rhopalostylis sapida palms growing as a cluster.

Rhopalostylis sapida

Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as Nikau Palm, is a fast-growing and beautiful Palm tree. From a central trunk, it produces large and broad fronds with a gentle arch. They are dark green, handsome, and enable this NZ native to grow to about 10 m tall with a spread of 6 m. Rhopalostylis sapida is highly sought after and very popular. It is essential for any subtropical garden or where an attractive specimen is desired.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Tropical
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.

Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender trunk topped with large, fan-shaped green leaves that create a tropical look. This palm grows slowly to about 8 m tall and 2 m wide. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerates frost and wind well, and is perfect for subtropical themes or feature planting.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
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Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

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Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush...

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Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) in a luxurious garden.

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Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, or Japanese Sago Palm, is an impressive and popular, small Palm tree. It...

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Howea forsteriana palm tree in a garden.

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Howea forsteriana, commonly known as the Kentia Palm, is a popular and elegant Palm tree. It has a thin, slender trunk that supports feathery...

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Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.

Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

Astelia chathamica, commonly known as the Chatham Island Astelia or Kakaha, produces broad, erect, silver-green leaves. The leaves are held with a...

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Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth...

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Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm)

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Dypsis baronii (Sugar Cane Palm) with lush, green foliage.

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Dypsis baronii, commonly known as The Sugar Cane Palm, is a stunning plant which is well suited to smaller gardens. It is renowned for its multiple...

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Olearia traversii plant with white flowers and green foliage.

Olearia traversii

Olearia traversii, commonly known as Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a hardy New Zealand native tree valued for its upright form and resilience. This...

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Large Dracaena draco (Canary Islands Dragon Tree) specimen trees.

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Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Astelia, Beaucarnea, Cordyline, Cycas, Dracaena, Dypsis, Hedera, Howea, Olearia, Pittosporum, Rhopalostylis Syagrus and Trachycarpus, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, Indoor Plants, Palms, Cycad, Palm Trees Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

Search pitt island nikau palm

Why Choose the Pitt Island Nikau Palm for your Garden?

The Pitt Island Nikau Palm delivers both resilience and beauty. Unlike standard Nikau, the Pitt Island form grows faster and tolerates a diverse range of sites from exposed coastline to inner city gardens. Its compact trunk, graceful arching fronds, and distinctive brush of lush foliage make it a favourite for landscaping alongside paths, beside ponds, or in large pots for patios and decks. If you’re passionate about New Zealand natives or want to attract native birds, the Pitt Island Nikau Palm adds ecological value as well as aesthetic appeal.

Growing and Caring for Pitt Island Nikau Palm

This palm is remarkably hardy and will succeed where other Nikau struggles. Choose a spot with dappled shade or morning sun, rich, free-draining soil, and maintain moisture—once established, the Pitt Island Nikau Palm copes well with dry periods. Protect young plants from severe frost, but mature specimens endure temperatures well below zero, especially with good shelter. Mulching and occasional feeding will keep your palm thriving for decades.

For gardeners interested in comparing palms, check out our Rhopalostylis Pitt Island (Pitt Island Nikau Palm) page for more growing tips and to browse our current stock.

Related Nikau Palms and Rare Varieties

Expand your collection or get inspired by viewing more unique New Zealand and Pacific palms. The close cousin Rhopalostylis baueri Norfolk Island (Rhopalostylis Norfolk Island) boasts a tall, slender trunk and feathery fronds, perfect for a more tropical look. Alternatively, discover the distinctive Rhopalostylis chathamica Pitti (Rhopalostylis) or the robust Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau). Palm enthusiasts will also appreciate the unique characteristics of Rhopalostylis cheesmanii.

Buy Pitt Island Nikau Palm Online

Looking for that distinctive New Zealand touch in your garden? The Pitt Island Nikau Palm offers a rare blend of character, adaptability, and low maintenance. Browse our comprehensive range of Nikau and companion palms, and trust our nursery for top-quality plants, expert advice, and friendly service. With the right care, your Pitt Island Nikau Palm becomes a legacy plant to delight generations to come.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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