Mediterranean Fan Palm
With so many palm tree varieties in cultivation, here are some of the Mediterranean fan palm’s distinctive highlights:
Manageable height and slow growth
Tolerance to drought and a very wide range of temperatures, including below frost and triple-digit heat
Lively, multiple-trunk growth habit
And of course, beautiful fan palm fronds.
Botanical name: Chamaerops humilis
Other names: European fan palm, Mediterranean dwarf palm
Mediterranean fan palms for sale at the nursery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mediterranean Fan Palm Appearance
A medium-sized palm tree that naturally grows as a lush, multi-trunk cluster. Some landscapers opt to prune the Mediterranean fan palm to create a standalone palm tree instead.
Mediterranean fan palms can grow to 10-20 feet tall.
Dark brown or gray trunk with remnants of old palm fronds that have fallen. The trunks grow vertically and slightly curved, especially when grown in a thicket. The curve allows for the fronds to maximize sunlight.
Round, fan-shaped fronds that are 3-5 feet wide. The deep green color becomes lime green given lots of light. The tips of the fronds are pointy and the central stems of the fronds, where they are connected to the palm tree trunk, have sharp spines.
Clusters of bright yellow flowers followed by small, round fruits that turn brown when they ripen.
Mediterranean Fan Palm Landscaping Tips
Mediterranean fan palm is popular in the Southwest due to its hardiness, low maintenance, and slow growth. These factors allow for so much flexibility in terms of its placement in the landscape.
It can tolerate a very wide range of temperatures for a short period of time, from 10 degrees to 110+ degrees Fahrenheit.
Requires minimal cleaning and maintenance. A good candidate for planting near swimming pools.
Install landscape lights for a resort-like atmosphere.
To accentuate the multiple tree cluster, plant among walls, in-between other trees, or as a backdrop in the pool or patio area.
To keep the Mediterranean fan palm as a standalone tree, you can prune offsets that grow from the base. However, to keep maintenance to a minimum, we recommend planting other palms of similar size and care requirements that grow naturally as individual trees such as the Pygmy date palm.
Use gloves when handling since there are sharp spines on the stems of the fronds.
Slow-growing tree at about 6 inches a year.
One of the more drought tolerant palm trees, especially once mature.
Mediterranean Fan Palm Origin
Close up look at Mediterranean fan palm fronds
Mediterranean Fan Palm is from the Mediterranean region, which experiences mostly temperate weather year-round, with some rainfall in the winter, and warm and dry summers.
Mediterranean Fan Palm Care
Mediterranean Fan Palm is very easy to care for and is prized for its cold and heat tolerance, adaptability to a wide range of soils, and drought tolerance once mature.
Soil: Well-draining soil. We recommend using a fertilizer formulated for palm trees to keep the fronds green and healthy.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees for a short period of time. Does well in heat, including in the Coachella Valley desert.
Water: Requires moderate water. More drought tolerant once mature. Deep, occasional watering during winter, allowing the soil to dry out. More frequent watering during the growing season and especially during heat waves. If you have questions about watering suitable for your region and microclimate, please contact us or ask us at the nursery.
Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is ok in the Palm Springs region.
Mediterranean Fan Palm Problems
Pests: Mexican Fan Palm has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from rot and nutrient deficiencies. We recommend using fertilizer formulated for palm trees to keep it healthy and vibrant.
Signs of overwatering: Wilted fronds, especially with brown tips. Soil that never dries out.
Signs of too little water: Shriveling fronds, weak fronds
Signs of too much sun: Burning, faded color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring
Mediterranean Fan Palm Propagation
Remove offset growing from base of trunk, and plant in moist soil.
FAQ
How much does Mediterranean fan palm cost?
At our nursery, Mediterranean fan palm costs $150 for a 15-gallon container, $350 for a 24" box, $500 for a 30" box, and $1,000 for a 36" box.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
How tall are Mediterranean fan palms?
Mediterranean fan palms typically grow to 10-20 feet tall.
How fast do Mediterranean fan palms grow?
Mediterranean fan palms grow very slowly, at about 6 inches a year.
Is the European fan palm the same as the Mediterranean fan palm?
Yes, European fan palm and Mediterranean fan palm are two different common names for Chamaerops humilis.
SUMMARY
| SIZE (H X W) | 10-20 feet X 10-15 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Yellow |
| FLOWER SEASON | Spring |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun |
| WATER | Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Slow |
| HARDINESS | 10º F, USDA Zone 8 |
| PRUNING | None |