European Fan Palm
Chamaerops humilis
The slow growing European Fan Palm, often called the Mediterranean Fan Palm, is an ideal palm for commercial or residential landscapes’. It not only gives a tropical feel to the landscape, but it is also cold hardy and drought resistant. With its multiple trunks and triangular fan shaped leaves, the European Fan Palm works great when planted alone as a single focus point or planted together to make a barrier.
Thanks to this palm’s drought resistance and durability to heat, it can thrive in harsh urban conditions. It flourishes in full sun, but does well in partial shade with some direct sunlight. The European Fan Palm also does great in cold conditions and can withstand freezing temperatures. The trunk of the European Fan Palm has a fiber husk that protects the trunk from the cold weather conditions. In fact, it is common for the European Fan Palm to withstand temperatures going down to 15 degrees without any damage.
This palm is extremely variable in its color and growth habit. Some will grow to become very shrubby while others can grow up to 15 feet tall. The leaves range in color from blue green to grey-green to yellow-green.
Ornamental Characteristics:
Native Origin:
Mediterranean region of Europe
Common Names:
Mediterranean Fan Palm, Dwarf Fan Palm and Palmito
Description:
Hardy Range: 8B – 11
Mature Height: 8 – 15’
Mature Spread: 6 – 10’
Growth Rate: Slow
Ornamental Characteristics:
The European Fan Palm forms clumps that can grow up to 15 feet tall. The triangular, fan shaped leaves grow to about 20 – 24” long by 24” wide. The leaves are deeply divided into multiple segments that are split at the tip and supported on 3 – 4 foot stems. This palm is variable in color and in shape. The color can range from blue green to grey green to yellow green. It is very adaptable to many well drained soils and is hardy throughout Florida.
Environment:
Soil: Alkaline, clay, sand, acidic, loam
Salt: Poor
Drought Tolerance: High
Exposure: Prefers full sun, does well in partial shade
