Pitt Island Nikau
Rhopalostylis sapida var. chathamica

Pitt Island (Chatham Island) Nikau is a popular choice for a wide range of landscaping projects. It retains the classic Nikau silhouette—slender trunk with a crown of arching, feather-like fronds—while offering greater hardiness and a quicker growth habit than other Nikau varieties.

Key attributes

• Foliage: Dense, lush dark green fronds that form an iconic, tropical canopy.

• Hardiness: Tolerant of cold winds and more exposed conditions; handles full sun.

• Growth: Faster-growing than many other Nikau , making it well suited to projects where quicker visual impact is desired.

• Form: Graceful, single-trunk habit with a neat crown; excellent for specimen planting, avenues, and sheltered coastal sites.

Sizes available

• PB18 (approx. 30 cm tall) through to advanced 1000 L grades.

• Wide range of intermediate sizes available to suit mass plantings, streetscapes, or individual feature plants.

Landscape uses

• Street and avenue planting

• Coastal and exposed sites

• Residential and commercial gardens

• Public open spaces and parks

• Understory or specimen planting depending on scale

Planting & care notes

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but tolerates a range of soil types.

• Light: Small plants establish in part shade then transition to full sun, or medium to large grades plant directly into full sun.

• Water: Regular watering while establishing; moderately drought-tolerant once established.

• Maintenance: Low. Remove old fronds as needed to maintain appearance; protect young plants from severe exposure.

• Fertiliser: Benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced palm fertiliser to support vigour and frond colour.

Availability and supply: We maintain a large and varied stock range from small 7.5 litre grades, to large 1000 L palms to suit contractors, landscapers and retail customers. Contact us for current availability, sizing, and pricing to match your project requirements.