Photo of Chamaerops humilis by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Chamaerops humilis

Also Known As

  • Cretan Date Palm
  • Mediterranean Fan Palm

Plant type

tree, shrub, palm / cycad

size

  • H: 5'-15'
  • W: 5'-20'

planting zones

  • 8b-10b

More Options

Chamaerops humilis plant details

Chamaerops humilis is an evergreen palm / cycad, shrub or tree with blue and green foliage. In spring chartreuse and yellow flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Chamaerops humilis

Plant type: palm / cycad, shrub or tree
Plant family: araceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 5 FT - 20 FT - wide, 5 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: chartreuse and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: compact, container plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Chamaerops humilis

USDA Zones: 8b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A most interesting miniature palm, this wonderfully unique shrub/small tree (6-15') is the only native European palm; featuring huge, two foot, fan-shaped leaves made up of 10-20 narrow finger-like divided leaflets which vary from light-blue to green-gray, this palm typically sends up multiple suckers and can reach up to 20' wide, the suckers can also be removed to form a single trunked specimen, showy bright-yellow flowers in spring are followed by brown fruits; it can be successfully grown indoors in colder climates; does best in full sun, but can tolerate part shade. S-PSh/M
This fan palm from the Mediterranean basin is considered hardy to -10o C and is grown throughout Europe including the warmer areas of England, Belgium and Switzerland. It is shorter than the windmill palm (Vancouver's most common palm) but has babies that emerge from the base giving a multi-trunked specimen. Plant in a warm, protected microclimate in your yard in well-drained soil. Some bubble wrap will help it if the temperatures really drop.
The Mediterranean fan palm trees form clumps of multiple trunks that can grow up to 15' in height. They are native to Europe and Northern Africa. Plant in well draining soil. Very cold hardy to 5 °F.
A cold hardy palm good to Zone 8. A mediterranean fan palm with silvery blue leaves.

By: Tejas Tropicals

This Mediterranean Fan Palm is an outstanding clumping hardy palm that grows slowly to about 10' and up to twice as wide.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

This palm is a fixture of old Portland gardens with stiff armed foliage and multi-trunked exuberance. Eventually to 5-10' tall by 5' wide. Site in full to part sun. Cold hardy in upper USDA zone 8 but be prepared to throw a blanket over it at ±15 °F.

Gardening facts about Chamaerops humilis plant

How to Grow Chamaerops humilis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • chartreuse
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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