About
Phoenix dactylifera, the date palm, is a tall, elegant, tender palm with arching, grey-green, pinnate leaves composed of many narrow, linear leaflets to 30 cm long. In its native habitat it produces flowering spikes to 2 m long followed by the familiar sweet, edible dates. A dramatic palm for a frost-free 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
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typePalms
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesSub-tropical
Native toProbably N. Africa and W.Asia
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See palm cultivation indoors for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free