European Fan Palm

The European fan palm has become
very popular in recent years, mostly due
to its cold hardiness. Severe freezes in
the mid-eighties decimated many other
more tender palm species then being
grown in central and northern Florida.
Millions of dollars worth of landscape
plants were killed, creating a demand for
more cold resistant varieties that could
withstand the occasional cold snap. This
small fan leafed palm fit the bill. Not only
can it resist temperatures below 20°F
(-6° C) but it is fairly fast growing and
drought resistant too!

The attractive little European fan palm has become
very popular in recent years, mostly due to its cold
hardiness. Severe freezes in the mid-eighties
decimated many other more tender palm species
then being grown in central and northern Florida.
Millions of dollars worth of landscape plants were
killed, creating a demand for more cold resistant
varieties that could withstand the occasional cold
snap. This small fan leafed palm fit the bill. Not only
can it resist temperatures below 20°F (-6° C) but it
is fairly fast growing and drought resistant too!

The European fan palm forms clumps than can
grow up to 15 ft (4.5 m) in height. The triangular,
fan shaped leaves grow to about 20-24 in (50-60
cm) long by 24 in (60 cm) wide. They are deeply
divided into multiple segments that are themselves
split at the tip and they are supported on 3-4 ft
(90-120 cm) stems. This is an extremely variable
plant both in color (the leaves range from blue
green to grey green to yellow green) and in shape.
Some plants form suckers more freely than others
to become very shrubby plants that may reach 15
ft (4.5 m) in width. Other individuals can be seen
that are almost dwarf growing just 5 ft (1.5 m) tall
by 4 ft (1.2 m) wide. These days it is popular to
remove all but a few of the suckers and to prune
the leaves to form a cluster of clear trunked "mini"
palms (see photo).

Small, bright yellow flowers held close to the trunk
are hidden behind the leaf stems which are armed
with very sharp teeth. The flowers are followed in
the fall by fruits which are dark yellow, orange or
brown, and about 0.5 in (1 cm) in diameter.

The European Fan palm is very adaptable
to many kinds of well drained soils.
Light: European fan palm prefers bright
sunny locations, but it also does well in
part shade with some direct sunlight. It will
survive in rather heavy shade but
"stretches" to lose its compact shape.
Moisture:Provide adequate moisture for
fastest growth. This palm is very drought
tolerant once established. It dislikes soggy
soils. Hardiness:USDA Zones 8-10.