Phoenix Roebelenii - Miniature date palm

Phoenix Roebelenii - Miniature date palm

Species - Arecacea/Palmae (palm Family)

Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm or Miniature Date Palm) originated from Southeastern Asia and Southwestern China (Yunnan) to Northern Laos and Northern Vietnam.

This plant belongs to the dwarf palms and considered to be one of the finest and the most elegant and graceful of all palms, it is another cultivar of the date palm.

The Pygmy date palm is a slow-growing upright tree that can a reach a height of about 8 feet tall. It boasts glossy green long fronds that drape downward and both male and female plants produce cream-colored, tiny flowers. from its slender trunk. Unknown to many, the Pygmy Date Palm produces a reddish-black fleshy fruit.

The Pygmy Date Palm can be used as a single specimen or planted in a group to be more effective. In the United States, Pygmy Date palms are widely used as landscape palms. They are magnificent as indoor palms and are perfect when you want the tropical feel of a palm tree in your landscape but you are space restricted.

Among other palms, the Phoenix roebelenii is the most adaptive when grown in containers and they look attractive at poolsides and is definitely the most versatile palm.

Can be grown in shade to full sun. If planting them out, choose a site that is well protected, either next to a wall, building or house (south side preferred) or under a large tree.

PROPAGATION:

This palm is propagated by seeds.

WHEN CUTTING OFF THE LEAVES TAKE CAUTION NOT TO PRICK YOURSELF ON THE SPINES - AS IT CAN BE EXTREMELY PAINFUL.

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt.
Author Unknown

Washingtonia Robusta - Mexican fan palm

Washingtonia Robusta - Mexican fan palm

Species - Arecacea/Palmae (palm Family)

Mexican fan palm is native to northwestern Mexico.

This skyscraper of the palm world is a striking sight when planted at equal intervals along a driveway or when snuggled up in groups against high buildings. The solitary trunk, about 10-12 in (25.4-30.5 cm) in diameter, bulges at the ground and becomes slender as it approaches a crown of large palmate leaves with gracefully drooping leaflet tips.

Growing up to 25 meters, rare but can reach 30 meters.

These are rich glossy green and grow to about 5 ft (1.5 m) long and 4 ft (1.2 m) wide. They are borne on 3 ft (0.9 m) orange leaf stems that are edged with vicious sawtooth spines.

As the leaves die, they fall against the trunk to create the "hula skirt" effect for which this palm is famous.

Washington palm prefers a moderately rich well drained soil but can survive on poor soils, even sand.
They like a bright sunny location, but will also tolerate some shade.
Washington palms are drought resistant when established, but look better and grow faster when given adequate moisture.
Water young plants for a healthier look and fastest growth.

Propagate by seed, will germinate in about 2 months.

Use the Washington palm for formal groupings or avenue plantings.

Young plants can be grown in containers and give a tropical look to patios and decks.

Washington palms has many fine attributes including being salt resistant and have a fast growth rate.

WHEN CUTTING OFF THE LEAVES TAKE CAUTION NOT TO PRICK YOURSELF ON THE SPINES - AS CAN IT BE EXTREMELY PAINFUL.

In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.
Kozuko Okakura

Phoenix Canariensis - (Date Palm)

Phoenix Canariensis - (Date Palm)

Species - Arecacea/Palmae (palm Family)

Canary Island date palm is native to the Canary Islands which is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of northeast Africa.

This palm is huge and imposing and is definitely the center of attention wherever planted.

Growing up to 60' tall, the thick, hulking trunk is covered with interesting diamond designs that mark the point of attachment of the leaves.

The massive trunk supports a huge crown of over 50 huge arching pinnate leaves that may reach 18' long. These leaves are deep green shading to a yellow stem where the leaflets are replaced by vicious spines.

This palm is very slow growing when young, but once the trunk reaches it's full diameter the growth rate increases.

Fertilize in spring and summer.
Plant in a bright sunny location.
Adult specimens are drought resistant.
Water young plants for healthy look and fastest growth.

Propagate by seed.

If you want to make a dramatic statement use this huge imposing palm wherever there is space to accomodate it. This is truly the king of palm trees.

WHEN CUTTING OFF THE LEAVES TAKE CAUTION NOT TO PRICK YOURSELF ON THE SPINES - AS CAN BE EXTREMELY PAINFUL.

The only limit to your garden is at the boundaries of your imagination.
Thomas D. Church

Person Thomas D. Church

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