Roebelenii Palm 

Phoenix roebelenii

"Pygmy Date Palm”

 

This slow growing palm grows only up to about 10 feet tall making it a perfect palm for small gardens. Many consider it to be a dwarf palm. Although it is a single-trunk palm, the Pygmy Date is usually seen with two to four palms planted together to create a grouping.  A single-trunk Pygmy Date takes up less room and generally grows straight up, making it a good choice for a narrow spot.

 

Roebelenii Palms are easy-care and work almost anywhere as an accent plant for most yards.  They can even be planted close to a house or poolside.

 

Specifications

 

Pygmy Dates are considered dwarf palms and grow to a height of about 10-12 feet. Grows in full sun to partial shade.

 

USDA Zones 8b (15 to 20 F) to 11 (above 40 F).  Cold hardy to Zone 8B (if you plant in a protected spot Roebelenii can tolerate cold down to 15 F.)  If the winter weather in your area has cold winds the roebelenii may show leaf-tip burn.  

 

Care

 

Add top soil when planting.  Fertilize with granular continuous release formula palm fertilizer in spring, summer and fall. Water on a regular basis.

 

Pgymy Dates don’t have a self-cleaning trunk and requires old leaf removal to keep it looking good.  Trim off old fronds and occasional seed pods that form a brown below the greenery.  Be careful when pruning because of the sharp spines. 

 

Spacing

 

It looks especially graceful when planted in group of 3 to 5 specimens. Plant multiples at least 4-5 feet from any building.  Singles can go as close as 3 feet.  Specimens can be 1-5 foot wide depending on size.

Pygmy Palms can be grown in containers and work well in pool cage planters, since they grow slowly and don't get too tall. As a container palm they need lots of light.

 

Landscaping with Roebelinii Palms

 

• at an entry

• as a container palm in a pool-cage or on a patio

• feathery companion plant between taller palms

• as a corner accent for a home or pool cage exterior

• to anchor a garden bed

• as a single specimen in a small area

• to accent a blank wall

• in the center of a circular drive