Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm General Description:
The Mediterranean and European fan palm forms clumps than can grow up to 15 ft (4.5 m) in height. The triangular, fan shaped leaves grow to about 20-24 in (50-60 cm) long by 24 in (60 cm) wide. They are deeply divided into multiple segments that are themselves split at the tip and they are supported on 3-4 ft (90-120 cm) stems. This is an extremely variable plant both in color (the leaves range from blue green to grey green to yellow green) and in shape. Some plants form suckers more freely than others to become very shrubby plants that may reach 15 ft (4.5 m) in width. Other individuals can be seen that are almost dwarf growing just 5 ft (1.5 m) tall by 4 ft (1.2 m) wide. These days it is popular to remove all but a few of the suckers and to prune the leaves to form a cluster of clear trunked "mini" palms.
The Mediterranean Palm and European Palm has small, bright yellow flowers held close to the trunk are hidden behind the leaf stems which are armed with very sharp teeth. The flowers are followed in the fall by fruits which are dark yellow, orange or brown, and about 0.5 in (1 cm) in diameter.
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Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis
)
Profile Information
Scientific name:
Common name(s):The European Fan Palm is also known as Mediterranean Fan Palm, Dwarf Fan Palm, and Palmito
Family: Arecaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 7+
Origin: It is native to Mediterranean region of Europe
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Culture:
 Chamaerops humilis grows in multiple trunk clumps. Growing from the base sucklings, give this palm a shrubby look. Trunks are covered in old leaf bases and brown fibers can reach 9 inches in diameter. It can take 10-15 years for it to achieve 7ft.
It has triangular, palmate, or fan shaped, leaves that range from blue green to silvery gray in color. Leaves grow outward then upward. They grow up to 25 inches long and 25 inches wide, supported by 4ft stems. Stems are covered with sharp thorns, so you need to be careful when pruning them.
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Growth Rate:
Slow
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Light requirements:
European fan palm prefers bright sunny locations, but it also does well in part shade with some direct sunlight. It will survive in rather heavy shade but "stretches" to lose its compact shape.
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Tree Water requirements:
Provide adequate moisture for fastest growth. This palm is very drought tolerant once established. It dislikes soggy soils.
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palms Maintenance:
Easy.
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Hardiness:
It is wind resistant and is very cold hardy. It will tolerate cold temperatures down to 5F. It is great for USDA Zones 7b (5 to 10 F) to 11 (above 40 F).
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Tree Insects and Diseases:
Generally healthy palm
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Tree Propagation by seed:
Propagated by seed.
Mediterranean Fan Palm and European Fan Palm Usage:
Chamaerops humilis is as versatile as it is beautiful! With the leaves trimmed up to show off the trunk, it makes a beautiful specimen plant - a delightful natural sculpture to grace your patio or entryway. Unpruned, they assume an attractive shrubby form. Use one as a screen or plant several side by side to form a barrier. Planted in groupings, they will accent that hard-to-garden, bare corner of your yard.
The European fan palm is excellent in containers and urns. And thanks to its drought resistance and durability to heat it can thrive in harsh urban conditions. This palm is somewhat salt resistant and may be grown near the ocean if given some protection (behind a dune, building, etc.)
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