About
Chamaerops humilis is a bushy, evergreen palm that typically forms a medium-sized shrub. It can be either stemless or feature multiple stems, topped with a rounded cluster of fan-shaped leaves that reach lengths of up to 45 cm. Mature specimens produce short, rigid clusters of small yellow flowers.
About the genus
Chamaerops comprises a solitary species of evergreen palm featuring multiple upright stems topped with broad, rounded leaves that are intricately divided into long segments. Its flowers, which are not particularly prominent, emerge in panicles from the lower leaf axils and are succeeded by small, date-shaped fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Palms
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Architectural
- Native to
- W & C Mediterranean
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass or as a houseplant in a peat-free, loam-based compost in bright, indirect light. When in growth water moderately and feed with a balanced fertiliser once a month. Water sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or suckers
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)