Chamaerops humilis var. argentea
blue Mediterranean fan palm
A shrubby palm to 2m tall, suckering when mature. The silvery-blue, fan-shaped leaves are composed of linear leaflets held on spiny stalks. A good plant for a tropical border, where it is both drought-resistant and hardy to -5°C once established. Best grown as a conservatory or greenhouse plant where winters are not reliably mild
Synonyms
Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera'Chamaerops humilis silver back
see moreChamaerops humilis var. cerifera
Phoenix humilis var. argentea
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Chamaerops is a single species of evergreen palm with several erect stems bearing large, rounded leaves deeply cut into linear segments; insignificant flowers are borne in panicles from the lower leaf axils, followed by small, date-like fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Morocco
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in pots of peat-free multipurpose compost in bright, filtered light with protection from direct summer sun. Water moderately in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed every month during the growing season; mist daily to increase humidity. See palm cultivation indoors for further information. In mild areas grow outdoors in freely-draining soil in sun or partial shade; see palm cultivation outdoors for further information
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring at 25°C
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.