European Fan Palm

Chamaerops humilis

Cold Hardy

 

The European Fan Palm is a slow-growing palm that is one of the most easy-care, cold hardy palms for the South Florida area.  Also known as the "Mediterranean Fan Palm," it is a multi-trunk palm that stays very compact and won't outgrow a small area.

 

The color of this palm is usually green with a silvery cast, though no two European Fans are exactly alike in color or shape.   Because of the sharp teeth or "spines" that line each stem, the European Fan Palm is best placed a safe distance from walkways and heavy foot traffic.

 

Specifications

 

European Fan Palms are very slow-growing and reach a maximum height of about 8 to 10 feet.

They thrive in full sun to full shade, but their fronds grow a bit larger in shadier areas.

 

European Fans are cold hardy to Zone 8, need no protection whatsoever from winter weather in Zone 8 and higher.

 

The European Fan is highly drought tolerant once well established. It is also a moderately salt-tolerant plant and can handle coastal locations subject to salt spray.

 

Care

 

European Fans are extremely low-maintenance.  No soil enhancements are needed when planting and very little pruning is necessary to remove dead fronds.

 

Avoid placing this palm in a moist areas. European Fans like to dry out between waterings.  Plant so that in a heavy rainfall the water drains quickly from wherever you locate the European fan.

 

Fertilize once a season in spring, summer and fall with palm fertilizer.

 

Spacing

 

Plant 3 to 4 feet away from the house.  If you are planting more than one space them at least 3 to 4 feet from one another. Remember to keep it a distance from activity due to the spines on its stems.

 

European Fans are wonderful container palms because they grow so slowly and like to go dry between waterings.

 

Landscaping with European Fans

 

• use as an entryway plant

• as a small focal point palm for a garden bed --

       (make sure to locate with other drought-tolerant plants)

• in pairs flanking the entrance to a driveway

• as a corner accent plant

• in containers for patio, pool or courtyard