Mediterranean Fan Palm Tree

Detailed Description

Description
This attractive little palm has become very popular in recent years, mostly due to its cold hardiness. Severe freezes in the mid-eighties decimated many other more tender species then growing in central and north Florida. Millions of dollars of landscape plants were killed creating the demand for more cold resistant varieties that could withstand the occasional cold snap. This small fan leafed palm fit the bill. Not only can it resist temperatures below twenty degrees Fahrenheit but it is fairly fast growing and drought resistant too!

The Mediterranean fan palm forms clumps than can grow up to 15' in height. The triangular, fan-shaped leaves grow to about 20-24" long by 24" wide. They are deeply divided into multiple segments that are themselves split at the tip and they are supported on 3-4' stems. This is an extremely variable plant both in color (the leaves range from blue-green to gray-green to yellow-green) and in shape. Some plants form suckers more freely than others to become very shrubby plants that may reach 15' in width. Other individuals can be seen that are almost dwarf growing just 5' tall by 4' wide. These days it is popular to remove all but a few of the suckers and to prune the leaves to form a cluster of clear-trunked "mini" palms.

Usage
Chamaerops is as versatile as it is beautiful! With the leaves trimmed up to clear the trunk it makes a beautiful specimen plant - a delightful natural sculpture to grace your patio or entryway. Unpruned, they assume an attractive shrubby form. Use them as a screens or plant several side by side to form barriers. Planted in groupings they will accent that hard-to-garden, bare corner of your yard. The Mediterranean Fan Palm is excellent in containers and urns. And thanks to it's drought resistance and durability to heat it can thrive in harsh urban conditions. This palm is somewhat salt resistant and may be grown near the ocean if given some protection (behind a dune, building, etc.)

Features
Beauty, ruggedness, versatility, cold hardiness and drought resistance add up to make Chamaerops a winner. If this isn't enough, the Mediterranean Fan Palm is also fairly fast growing when supplied adequate moisture and fertilizer.