Overview
Chamaerops humilis is a bushy palm in the genus Chamaerops, part of the Arecaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall and 7 m wide. Chamaerops humilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, patio and container plants and architectural. It is native to Algeria, Baleares, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain and Tunisia.
About
Chamaerops is a genus of flowering plants in the family Arecaceae. It contains only one species, Chamaerops humilis, variously called European fan palm or the Mediterranean dwarf palm.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chamaerops
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Chamaerops
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Chamaerops humilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Palm
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Spread
- 7 m
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Architectural
- Native to
- Algeria, Baleares, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Chamaerops humilis
- Propagation
- Seed, Suckers
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Thrips, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Chamaerops humilis?
Chamaerops humilis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Chamaerops humilis need?
Chamaerops humilis grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Chamaerops humilis grow?
Chamaerops humilis reaches a height of 1.5 m and a spread of 7 m.
Is Chamaerops humilis hardy in the UK?
Chamaerops humilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Chamaerops humilis?
Seed, Suckers.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.