Washingtonia filifera
California fan palm
a medium to large palm, with a robust trunk. The long leaf stalks have sharp teeth near the base, and the fan-shaped, grey-green blades up to 3m long are erect at first, then spreading and arching. Dead foliage remains on the plant, hanging down to clothe the whole trunk. Creamy-white, tubular flowers are produced in huge sprays up to 5m long, usually in summer
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Washingtonia are large evergreen palms with stout solitary trunks bearing long-stalked, rounded leaves palmately divided into linear segments, and large, arching panicles of flowers, followed by small, berry-like black fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW USA (CA & AZ) & NW Mexico (Bajo Clifornia)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand, in full light. Water moderately, provide moderate humidity when in growth and apply a liquid fertiliser monthly during the summer. Water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at not less than 24°C
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Needs no regular pruning, but dead leaves may be removed by cutting close to the leaf base leaving stubs to create a neat pattern
Pests
Glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects may be troublesome
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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