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). It is crowned by large, fine-textured, blue-green to silver-green, fan-shaped leaves. Heat, salt, strong winds, and drought tolerant, it can withstand temperatures down to 10ºF (-12ºC).

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 10
– 11

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Palms – Cycads
Plant Family Palms – Cycads
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 6'
– 15'
(180cm
– 4.5m)
Spread 6'
– 20'
(180cm
– 6m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden