Alphabetical Plant Listing

Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm)

Date Palm


One of the best-known palms, Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) is a tall evergreen palm tree with a slender trunk topped with a crown of 100 - 120 gracefully arching, feather-like fronds that can reach 10-16 ft. in length (3-5 m). Each gray-green, waxy, pinnate leaf is divided into about 150 stiff, sharp pointed leaflets. Creamy-yellow flowers are produced in drooping panicles on male and female trees. The flowers on female palms give way to showy clusters of large, edible, very sweet fruits with a thick layer of fruit pulp. Green when unripe, the fruits change to yellow, golden brown, mahogany red, or black as they ripen. The Date Palm is one of the longest cultivated plants in the world, having been grown at least 5,000 years ago. It is a very important crop in many dry tropical and subtropical areas, where its fruit is often a traditional staple food and also the source of syrup, alcohol, and vinegar. Slow-growing, Date Palm is hardy to 25°F (-4°C), but the leaves may be severely damaged. It withstands coastal exposure and tolerates drought. For best production, it is important that at least one male plant be planted for every 6 female plants. Date Palm is often confused with Phoenix canariensis which is much shorter and more ornamental.

  • Grows with an upright habit up to 50-80 ft. tall (15-25 m) and 20-40 ft. wide (6-12 m).
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, as long as they are well-drained. Hot dry conditions are required for free fruiting, the fruit not forming very readily in cooler or moister climates
  • No serious disease or pest issues.
  • Needs no regular pruning.
  • Propagate from suckers or from seed which germinates readily in 2-3 months. Plants propagated from suckers can start fruiting within 2-4 years and normally reach full production at 5-8 years
  • Native to Northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Palms - Cycads
Plant Family Phoenix - Date Palms, Palms - Cycads
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 50' – 80' (15m – 24m)
Spread 20' – 40' (6m – 12m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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123rf, barmalini/ Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Palms - Cycads
Plant Family Phoenix - Date Palms, Palms - Cycads
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 50' – 80' (15m – 24m)
Spread 20' – 40' (6m – 12m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Palms - Cycads

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