Chamaerops humilis (European Fan 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. It can be stemless or multi-trunked (with up to 8 trunks) as it usually suckers from the base of the main trunk. However, it can be easily trained to grow with a single trunk by regularly removing the suckers. It is crowned by large, fine-textured, blue-green to silver-green, fan-shaped leaves, up to 18-24 in. long (45-60 cm). Each leaf is divided into as many as 10-20 narrow, stiff segments at the end of 3-4 ft. long (90-120 cm) spiny petioles. In spring, short panicles of bright yellow flowers are borne on mature plants. They give way to small, round, yellow-orange to brown fruits that ripen in the fall. Versatile (rounded shrub to small tree), European Fan Palm is the only palm native to Europe. A slow-grower in the cooler parts of its range, it is one of the most adaptable species of palms, surviving extreme heat and cold. It can withstand temperatures down to 10ºF (-12ºC). Furthermore, it also has exceptional wind and drought tolerance. Plant as a specimen or in groups. Excellent in containers or as an impenetrable hedge. Thrives in coastal conditions.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 6-15 ft. tall (180-450 cm) and 6-20 ft. wide (180-600 cm).
• Easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Best in full sun but tolerates part shade. Drought tolerant once established, but regular summer irrigation promotes good growth and good health. Tolerates poor soils.
• No pruning is required.
• No serious disease or pest issues. Keep an eye out for mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites.
• Propagate by seed or suckers. Dividing clumps or removing suckers can be difficult.
• Native to the western and central Mediterranean region.
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