Washingtonia robusta
southern washingtonia
a tall, fast-growing, evergreen palm with a slender trunk that swells considerably at the base on mature specimens. Large fan-shaped leaves with leaflets up to 1.5m long are borne on spine-edged petioles to 1m long. Long sprays of small white flowers are borne on hanging, branched stems to 3m long and followed by dark brown fruits
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Mexico
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 . See palm cultivation indoors
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
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
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.