About
Chamaerops humilis 'Compacta' is a small, slow-growing evergreen palm characterized by its dense clusters of slender green fronds that feature lighter-colored undersides. The leaves are supported by short stems, creating a robust appearance.
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
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Palms, Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in pots of peat-free multipurpose compost in bright, filtered light with protection from direct summer sun. Water moderately in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed every month during the growing season; mist daily to increase humidity. See palm cultivation indoors for further information. In mild areas grow outdoors in freely-draining soil in sun or partial shade; see palm cultivation outdoors for further information
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division, separating offsets from established plants in late spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)