About
Phoenix roebelenii, the miniature date palm, is a dwarf, graceful palm with a slender trunk � occasionally clustered � bearing pinnately divided, arching leaves to 1 m long. Panicles of small, yellow flowers may be followed by small, edible, black fruit. One of the most popular indoor and conservatory palms for a frost-free, warm, bright position.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Palms
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toChina to Indo-China
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass or as a houseplant in a peat-free, loam-based compost in bright indirect light with shade from hot sun. When in growth water moderately and feed with a balanced fertiliser once a month. Water sparingly in winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19 to 24°C in spring
Pest resistanceScale insect and glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free