Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm)

A widely cultivated species, Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm) is a dwarf evergreen palm tree with a slender trunk topped with a dense crown of fine-textured, lustrous green, gracefully arching fronds. Each compound pinnate leaf is up to 3 ft. long (90 cm), and divided into many linear leaflets. Although this palm is usually single stemmed, it may develop several trunks. Gray-brown, they are embossed with diamond-shaped leaf bases. Creamy-yellow flowers are produced in drooping panicles on male and female trees. The flowers on female palms give way to showy clusters of small, red then black fruits. Easy to grow, Pygmy Date Palm is hardy to 26°F (-3°C). Popular as a container plant in northern gardens and conservatories. Great in groves or as a potted plant indoors where it will add a beautiful tropical touch.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows with an upright habit up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
• Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Make sure the delicate fronds are not being burnt by harsh, direct sun. Resistant to wind.
• Pygmy Date Palm performs very well in containers. It thrives in a loam-based compost in full sun with some shade from hot sun. When in growth water moderately and feed with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Water sparingly in winter.
• No serious disease or pest issues. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mites.
• Needs no regular pruning, but dead leaves may be removed by cutting close to the leaf base leaving stubs to create a neat pattern.
• Propagate by seed sown at not less than 66-75°F (19-24ºC) in spring. Seed germinates readily in 2-3 months.
• Native to Laos, China, southern Vietnam.