About
Phoenix canariensis, the Canary Island date palm, is a stately, tree-like palm to 15 m or more with a massive, stout trunk and a spreading crown of dark-emerald, pinnate leaves to 5 m long. Drooping panicles of creamy-yellow flowers are followed by reddish-yellow, date-like fruits. A dramatic and architectural palm for a frost-free, sunny garden or large, heated conservatory.
About the genus
Phoenix are evergreen palms with solitary or clustered stems, narrowly oblong, pinnate leaves with linear, green segments and drooping panicles of yellow flowers followed by fleshy, ellipsoid, often edible fruits. Grown as ornamental specimen palms in frost-free gardens and heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typePalms, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Architectural
Native toCanary Islands
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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. If moved outside during summer, locate in a sunny sheltered position with some midday shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at not less than 25°C
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free