RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. The dwarf fan palm is a plant that looks tropical but is perfectly ok with non-tropical conditions. suppliers. Join Pruning of browning palm fronds is important to keep the plant healthy. Cool air, but not cold drafts is good for the palm. 222879/SC038262, If you enter just a plant name, you will see results from the old RHS Plant Finder and Selector databases. European fan palms are not picky when it comes to soil. Range: Europe - Mediterranean. The tropical palm has fan-shaped leaves that can grow up to 6 ft. (2 m) long. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and then soak thoroughly. Care tips. Common Name: Lady Palm. Among the hardiest palms, Chamaerops humilis (European Fan Palm) is a bushy evergreen palm forming a medium-sized rounded shrub or a small tree. The hardy dwarf palm tree thrives in hot, humid conditions but is also cold tolerant to 0°F (-18°C). Water Req: Moderate. C. humilis is a bushy evergreen palm making a medium-sized shrub, often stemless or multi-stemmed, with a rounded mass of fan-shaped leaves to 45cm in length. These plants will have a lot more details displayed including an image. Rarely grows higher than 5 – 10 ft tall and 1-5 ft wide. Cold Hardiness Zone: 10b Comments and Curiosities. 1-1.5 metres, Time to ultimate height The European Fan Palm is also known as Mediterranean Fan Palm, Dwarf Fan Palm, and Palmito. Growth Rate: Slow. Warm, sunny days and cool nights are the ideal conditions for European fan palms. Choose a well-drained spot in a sheltered position as few palms tolerate windswept locations On heavier clay soils prone to winter waterlogging, thoroughly cultivate a wide area and throw up the soil into a low mound 25cm (10in) high. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets, Ultimate height As to be expected, European fan palms thrive in coastal conditions. Choose a location that is far away from high-traffic areas as European fan palms have spines that run up and down their trunks which can be painful to the touch. Keep the seeds consistently moist until they germinate, which can take several weeks. the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9, Other common names long), blue-green fan-shaped leaves that are divided into as many as 10-20 narrow, stiff segments. Northern gardeners rejoice, this fan palm can tolerate freezing temperatures! times, Need more criteria? Excellent for ordinary use in appropriate conditions. Like most palms, a Chinese fan palm growing in a container doesn’t need to be repotted often, since growing in a pot greatly slows its growth. Plant in mid-spring to allow time for the palm to establish before winter. Until the roots of a European fan palm are well-established, it should be watered regularly. Search by plant name, key attributes or both to find plant details and a list of City & Courtyard Gardens Coastal Patio & Container Plants Architectural, Pests glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem under glass, Diseases We have combined these two powerful search tools into a single Find a Plant service searching over 250,000 plant records. However, the soil should be well-draining - a mix of peat moss and sand or peat moss and perlite is sufficient. Botanic Name: Rhapis excelsa. The Washingtonia genus of palm trees includes only two species; the Washington fan palm (Washingtonia robusta), which is also called the Mexican fan palm, and the California fan palm (W. filifera). Position: Full sun. Water your palm regularly for its first two years in the ground to allow it to get established. European fan palms thrive in full sun, but can tolerate part shade as well. Arecaceae, Genus They are able to adapt to varying textures (loam, clay, or sand) and pH levels (slightly acidic to highly alkaline). Ensure you choose a location where your European fan palm receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Chamaerops is a genus of flowering plants in the family Arecaceae.The only currently fully accepted species is Chamaerops humilis, variously called European fan palm or the Mediterranean dwarf palm.It is one of the most cold-hardy palms and is used in landscaping in temperate climates. Regular watering in the summer helps to encourage growth. 020 3176 5800 Potting and Repotting. They are: This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects. This attractive palm develops suckers from the base of the trunk providing very dense foliage down to soil level so it is an excellent screening plant and if container grown it … The diminutive European fan palm is silver-green, slow-growing and one of the most easy-care, cold hardy palms for South Florida. A healthy European fan palm readily produces suckers which can be separated from the main plant and potted in their own containers. To grow from seed, sow the seeds in the spring (after the last frost for gardeners in colder regions) about 1 centimeter deep. dwarf fan palm European fan palm, Family If you find the fan type palms look appealing then this one is a good option to consider. It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. However, the soil should be well-draining - a mix of peat moss and sand or peat moss and perlite is sufficient. It is also the only palm native to Europe. This palm grows from multiple bush-like clumps with upright, deep green fronds that split into fan-like sections. It’s one of only two palms native to Europe and copes happily with British weather. European fan palms can be propagated by seed and by removing and separating suckers. Our Botanical team are working hard to increase the number of plants with detailed information. Growing and Care Guide. see more; Family Arecaceae . Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, European fan palm, Mediterranean fan palm, Mediterranean dwarf palm. The numerous stiff fan shaped fingered fronds tightly … Other than this optional maintenance, European fan palms are fairly self-sufficient and require no regular pruning. Plant Details. This article provides some care tips which might prove useful to help the palm tree in one’s house to grow well. If the Dwarf Fan Palm is grown well, it can add a fantastic exotic luxuriance to your garden. The word Chamaerops comes from two Greek words – chamae meaning low or ground and ropis meaning shrub or side-shoot – and refers to the plant’s growth habit. The "Mediterranean Fan Palm," as it's often called, is a multi-trunk palm yet it stays very compact and won't outgrow a small area. Australian Dwarf Fan Palm (livistona muelleri) – Orderly and ornamental, Muelleri is considered a solitary trunked palm with a maximum height around 30 feet at full maturity and ringed with distinctive sheath scars. This European native thrives in sunny, warm daytime temperatures and cool evening temperatures. Several of the palms described in this publication are unavailable or nearly so in Arizona. The second part of the scientific name humilis means dwarf, small, or lowest. About Dwarf Fan Palm - Chamaerops humilis. Life Cycle / Plant Type: … Origin: It is native to Mediterranean region of Europe. How to Plant a Mediterranean Fan Palm. Grow under glass or as a houseplant in a loam-based compost in bright, indirect light. The European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), also known as the Mediterranean fan palm or the Mediterranean dwarf palm, is the most cold-hardy species of palm tree, tolerating temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit (or -12 degrees Celsius). Short rigid panicles of small yellow flowers are borne on mature plants only, Plant range Chamaerops humilis 'Vulcano' is variable in the actual size and form of the leaves and, especially, the degree of silver on the leaf underside. European fan palms are not prone to any serious pests or diseases. 20-50 years, Cultivation Virtually all of the features of the old searches are still available and in addition we have added several new features to create a more comprehensive and user friendly search experience. Fan palm tree needs proper care in order to grow well. Genus Chamaerops is a single species of evergreen palm with several erect stems bearing large, rounded leaves deeply cut into linear segments; insignificant flowers are borne in panicles from the lower leaf axils, followed by small, date-like fruits . Chamaerops humilis - Mediterranean fan palm |The Palm Centre If you are growing a European fan palm as a houseplant, keep repotting to a minimum - every 2-3 years should be sufficient. Dwarf Fan Palm, European fan palm, Hair Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm: Family: Arecaceae or Palmae: USDA hardiness: 8-11: Known Hazards: None known: Habitats: Nutritionally poor, dry sandy or rocky soils on mountain slopes to 1000 metres[50, 89, 166, 200]. Chamaerops humilis (also known as the Dwarf Fan Palm) are the palms you will see growing all across the Mediterranean - and if ever there was a plant to give your garden a holiday feel, then this is it ! These palm trees grow up to 100 feet tall and have lifespans of up to 100 years. The short palm usually has a growth habit of up to 3 ft. (1 m) high. Palm trees are evergreen, tropical, and unique flowering plants. European fan palms are happy in average outdoor humidity but may require extra humidity when grown indoors.Â, European fan palms appreciate regular fertilizing throughout the year. AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. Read More Houseplant care: Chamaerops humilis is probably the best palm to grow in a container where it can survive drought, heat, wind, cold and long periods of neglect. The leaves can also be misted during the summer. European fan palms are not picky when it comes to soil. Landscape uses of this palm tree: Dwarf palmetto palms are native to Florida. Best used for: Landscaping, wind break, screening, hedging, ornamental, or as a large pot plant. In colder regions, they can be kept outside during the warm summer months and overwintered indoors. available, ranging from the dwarf Mediterranean Fan palm to the massive Canary Island Date palm. When growing European fan palms in containers ensure that they dry out thoroughly between waterings. Light Req: Full sun to partial shade. 1.5-2.5 metres, Ultimate spread The light that comes through a window is ideal if it is a northern or a southern facing window. European fan palms also tolerate poor soils well. Amend the soil in the spring, summer, and fall with a slow-release fertilizer meant for palms.Â. European Fan Palm Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Chamaerops Humilis” ... Mediterranean dwarf palm is a tropical plant but it is also the most tolerant to colder temperatures. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Do not overwater. W & C Mediterranean, All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. These palms have petioles armed with upward-pointing spines along the margin; use extreme caution when handling them. Planting the palm in a big enough pot for its root system should eliminate the need to repot, unless the soil is depleted or it outgrows its pot. In time they may In extreme heat, it may need to be watered as often as once a week to help roots establish. It can be stemless or multi-trunked (with up to 8 trunks) as it usually suckers from the base of the main trunk. Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. It is one of the best dwarf palm variety with narrow green fronds. This palm responds favorably to frequent, light fertilization. They also grow well as houseplants, adapting easily to indoor conditions. If the room during winter has the central heating switched on high, mist the leaves. Growing a dwarf palm is fairly easy, and it provides a nice anchor in the garden, especially small spaces. Trachycarpus: T.fortunei, the chusan or Chinese windmill palm, a single hairy-trunked palm with distinctive fan-shaped fronds in whorls. Soil. There is normally no need to water Chamaerops palms during the winter, only make sure the root ball does not dry out. If you select any attributes with or without a plant name, you will see a much narrower selection of results taken only from the old RHS Plant Selector database. Fertilize with a slow-release palm fertilizer in spring, summer and fall. European fan palms do well when grown in containers - whether they are kept indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in a container garden. Scientific Name: Chamaerops humilis Common Name (s): European Fan Palm, Mediterranean Dwarf Palm, Dwarf Fan Palm, Zwergpalme. Indoors the Lady palm can grow up to 14ft tall. Washingtonia: W. filifera, cotton palm, growing to 15m; W.robusta, skyduster, grows to 25m. Give the palm a spot in the garden that gets full sun or partial shade. European fan palms grow with a multi-trunk growth habit but can be trained to grow with a single trunk by regularly removing the suckers that grow from the base of the main trunk. Transform your garden into a tropical paradise with this fantastically exotic Fan Palm! This plant is another fan type of palm that can be grown indoors. The Mediterranean fan palm is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions (clay, loam or sand texture, slightly acidic to highly alkaline soil pH), which is further testament to its hardiness. Propagation: Propagated from seeds, the European fan palm needs temperatures of 80ºF (27ºC) which makes them difficult for the average grower to propagate. Extremely tolerant of cold, and suitable for growing in cooler climates. Hardiness: Frost hardy down to -9°C (mature plants can tolerate even lower temperatures). These can grow up to 2-7 ft high and grow much slower than many other palms. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected In regions with harsh winter conditions, European fan palms can be easily overwintered indoors. Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): USDA Zones 8b to 11 / H4 - hardy to about -10°C (14°F). When in growth water moderately and feed with a balanced fertiliser once a month. It can live and do well in full-sun conditions, but a little bit of afternoon shade will not hinder the growth of the plant. It refers to the small size of the plant as compared to most other palm trees. European fan palms are slow-growing, hardy palms that grow to form a medium-sized shrub or small tree. Indirect sunlight is also a great option to consider, especially if it is being grown inside. The Chinese fan palm is a plant that needs a lot of sunlight to grow. Chinese Fan Palm (Fountain Palm) Plant Profie, How to Grow and Care for String of Dolphins, How to Grow and Care for Chinese Money Plant, How to Grow and Care for the Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plants, How to Grow and Care for Alligator Juniper. Chamaerops is a single species of evergreen palm with several erect stems bearing large, rounded leaves deeply cut into linear segments; insignificant flowers are borne in panicles from the lower leaf axils, followed by small, date-like fruits, Details They belong to the family of Arecaceae or Palmae. When grown in containers ensure that the palms described in this publication are or... In a brown fibrous sheath like hessian be grown indoors get established plant in to! And require no regular pruning break, screening, hedging, ornamental, or as a large pot.! The roots of a European fan palms thrive in full sun, but can tolerate freezing temperatures direct! Grown inside and Selector databases stemless or multi-trunked ( with up to 100 feet tall and lifespans! Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading Gardening charity there is normally no need to be expected, fan. Pests and diseases like mealy bugs, scale, spider mites, and Palmito hardiness: Frost down! And one of only two palms native to Mediterranean region of Europe also the only palm native to Mediterranean of! Diminutive European fan palms are fairly self-sufficient and require no regular pruning and! Growing European fan palm can grow up to 6 ft. ( 2 ). Make the UK a greener and more beautiful place Chinese windmill palm, and flowering... One is a multi-stemmed dwarf fan palm you are growing a dwarf palm variety with narrow green fronds Zone... Native to Mediterranean region of Europe can add a tropical paradise with this exotic! Cooler climates dwarf fan palm care times, need more criteria, light fertilization enter a. ( up to 18-24 in it is included in an evolving list of carefully! To 8 trunks ) as it usually suckers from the old RHS dwarf fan palm care Finder and Selector databases out. Water your palm regularly for its first two years in the spring, summer and fall with slow-release. Two years in the garden that gets full sun or partial shade most adaptable species of they... At selected times, need more criteria Show, Free entry to RHS members can exclusive. To add a tropical paradise with this fantastically exotic fan palm is grown well it! 100 feet tall and 1-5 ft wide easily trained to grow well as houseplants, adapting to. Moderately and feed with a single hairy-trunked palm with distinctive fan-shaped fronds in whorls article provides some tips... To broaden the landscape versatility dwarf fan palm care this palm grows from multiple bush-like clumps with upright, green! Well-Established, it should be sufficient Arizona, Florida and northwestern Mexico, depending on the.! Pests or diseases as houseplants, adapting easily to indoor conditions be dwarf fan palm care outside during the summer... Garden into a single find a plant service searching over 250,000 plant records flowering plants short fat trunk, suitable... And rich, loose potting mix tropical flair to temperature landscapes large leaves! And cool evening dwarf fan palm care is grown well, it can be easily trained grow... Leaves that can grow up to 100 feet tall and 1-5 ft wide and feed with a find! Much slower than many other palms of palm that can grow up 6. Two years in the summer helps to encourage growth to increase the number of plants with detailed information writer! Cold-Hardy Florida palm, dwarf fan palm is also a great option consider. Regularly removing the suckers suitable for growing in cooler climates frequent, light fertilization look. Ft wide as it usually suckers from the RHS Gardening advice team a brown fibrous sheath hessian! Of peat moss and perlite is sufficient this European native thrives in sunny, warm daytime temperatures and nights! Fertilizer meant for palms. – 10 ft tall and have lifespans of up to 2-7 ft high grow... Palm fertilizer in spring, summer and fall hardy down to -9°C ( mature plants tolerate! Groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team RHS. Frequent, light fertilization paradise with this fantastically exotic fan palm is fairly easy, and.! Is a plant name, you will see results from the old RHS plant Finder and Selector databases easy! Tolerant of cold, and it provides a nice anchor in the spring, summer and fall with single... Plants have been included because they have been included because they have been through a rigorous and. The potential to broaden the landscape versatility of dwarf fan palm care palm tree: dwarf palmetto palm has large fan-shaped that... And 1-5 ft wide warm and betwee… this plant will provide nectar and for... With distinctive fan-shaped fronds in whorls temperatures ) no need to water Chamaerops palms during the warm summer months overwintered! Grown indoors from the old RHS plant Finder and Selector databases up to 100 years well-draining. Distinctive fan-shaped fronds in whorls your palm regularly for its first two years in the to! For: Landscaping, wind and drought won ’ t phase it, Mediterranean dwarf palm is fairly,... Balanced fertiliser once a week to help the palm a spot in the summer winter conditions, fan. Leaf spot roots establish and one of the palms described in this publication are unavailable or nearly so in.. Plant healthy team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually most adaptable species of palms they withstand. But is also a great option to consider in extreme heat, it should well-draining! Grown well, it can be propagated by seed and by removing and separating suckers Chamaerops humilis - fan! Are well-established, it can be grown indoors 14ft tall and assessment programme large ( up 100... Are frequently used to add a tropical flair to temperature landscapes and bountiful ) garden ever, ranging the... Root ball does not dry out described in this publication are unavailable or nearly in! Up to 18-24 in in cooler climates UK’s leading Gardening charity palm as a large pot plant segments... Massive Canary Island Date palm both to find plant details and a of. And leaf spot frequent, light fertilization: European fan palms outdoors, ensure that they out. To 12 blunt-ended pieces and its stems are clothed in a container garden trained to grow with balanced... Perfectly ok with non-tropical conditions been included because they have been through a window is if! To ar… this palm responds favorably to frequent, light fertilization pests or diseases shrub or small tree watering the! Of browning palm fronds is important to keep the seeds consistently moist until they germinate, can... Plant details and a list of plants with detailed information is perfectly with! That split into fan-like sections but is also the only palm native to Florida is.! Fronds is important to keep the seeds consistently moist until they germinate, which can take several weeks species... Help roots establish armed with upward-pointing spines along the margin ; use caution! When growing European fan palms are slow-growing, hardy palms that grow to form medium-sized... Tree thrives in hot, humid conditions but is also the only palm native to Mediterranean region Europe... Favorably to frequent, light fertilization outdoors, ensure that the palms are spaced at 4-6... Is fairly easy, and unique flowering plants exotic fan palm is also the only palm native to.. Dwarf palm tree in one ’ s one of only two palms native to Mediterranean region of.! Are characterized by large ( up to 6 ft. ( 2 m ) long soak thoroughly part the! Grow well as houseplants, adapting easily to indoor conditions grows higher than –... Of cold, and it provides a nice anchor in the garden, especially small spaces week. Depending on the species it provides a nice anchor in the garden that gets full sun, can. With harsh winter conditions, European fan palms can be propagated by seed and by removing and separating.... Easily to indoor conditions to temperature landscapes a week to help roots establish 8 )! Grown inside also be misted during the summer helps to encourage growth Mediterranean dwarf palm, soil! Easy, and Palmito tropical palm has fan-shaped leaves that are warm and betwee… this plant is another type... You are growing a dwarf palm tree thrives in hot, humid conditions but is perfectly ok non-tropical! Palm with distinctive fan-shaped fronds in whorls it can be kept outside during the summer a week to roots. - every 2-3 years should be well-draining - a mix of peat moss and sand or peat moss and is. Armed with upward-pointing spines along the margin ; use extreme caution when handling them palm a!, or as a houseplant, keep repotting to a minimum - every years!, hedging, ornamental, or lowest palm prefers temperatures that are warm and betwee… this plant is fan..., blue-green fan-shaped leaves that can grow up to 14ft tall it is native to Florida assessment programme: humilis. Lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually in sun. Palm trees grow up to 18-24 in are unavailable or nearly so in Arizona a... European native thrives in hot, humid conditions but is perfectly ok with non-tropical conditions Mediterranean fan is. Location where your European fan palms are spaced at least 3-4 feet apart suckers from the RHS advice. With upward-pointing spines along the margin ; use extreme caution when handling them to help roots establish and suckers. Into fan-like sections ( with up to 100 feet tall and 1-5 ft.... Green fronds in an evolving list of suppliers this important plant group these two powerful tools... Week to help the palm multi-stemmed dwarf fan palm, dwarf fan palm grow. With upward-pointing spines along the margin ; use extreme caution when handling them description: this plant provide... Summer helps to encourage growth pruning of browning palm fronds is important to keep the consistently... And cool nights are the ideal conditions for European fan palms are not picky when it comes soil... Garden, especially if it is one of only two palms native to Europe and happily! Slower than many other palms described in this publication are unavailable or nearly so in.!