Phoenix dactylifera (F)
date palm
A tall, tender palm with elegant, arching leaves composed of many linear, grey-green leaflets. In its native environments it produces 1-2m long flower spikes from the crown of the tree; these are followed by sweet, edible fruits (dates)
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Phoenix are evergreen palms with solitary or clustered stems and narrowly oblong, pinnate leaves with linear segments, and drooping panicles of yellow flowers followed by fleshy ellipsoid fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Probably N. Africa and W.Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See palm cultivation indoors for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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