Blue Mediterranean fan palm

Palm · Shrub

Chamaerops humilis var. argentea

Blue Mediterranean fan palm

Also known as: Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera', Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera, Chamaerops humilis silver back, Phoenix humilis var. argentea

A slow-growing, clumping fan palm with stiff, silvery-blue leaves - the Atlas Mountains form of the Mediterranean fan palm.

  • Full sun
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • H3 · Zone 9
  • May–June
  • Evergreen

Overview

Listed by many nurseries as Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera', the accepted name for this plant is Chamaerops humilis var. argentea. From the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, it forms one or several short trunks topped by stiff, deeply divided fan leaves coated in a waxy, silver-blue bloom, much paler than the common green form. Leaf stalks are armed with sharp spines. It is slow growing and rated hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (about -5°C); a sunny, sheltered spot with excellent drainage, or a large pot moved under cover in severe weather, suits it best.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun
Height 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Spread 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Hardiness H3 · Zone 9
Flowers May–June
Soil Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture Dry
Habit Clump forming, Suckering, Tree-like
Water Low
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -5°C (23°F)
pH Range 6–8
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Exposed sites
  • Wind
  • Coastal
  • Salt
  • Drought

Soil Tolerance

  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Chamaerops humilis var. argentea (Blue Mediterranean fan palm)
Chamaerops humilis var. argentea (Blue Mediterranean fan palm)
Persistence Evergreen
Colour Silver, Blue-grey
Leaf shape / texture palmate_fan
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering May Jun
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Fruiting Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Apr May Jun

Maintenance Calendar

  • Apr Cut off dead lower leaves close to the trunk using long-handled loppers and thick gloves, as the leaf stalks are very spiny
  • May Feed pot-grown palms with a slow-release fertiliser, since nutrients drain out of containers
  • Jul Water young plants deeply but infrequently in dry spells, letting the soil dry between waterings
  • Nov Fleece the crown in severe cold and keep pots dry and sheltered, because wet cold roots are the main cause of loss

Garden Design

Works well in: Desert / Dry, Mediterranean, Modern / Contemporary, Tropical / Exotic

The silver leaves glow in a gravel or Mediterranean garden and look striking against dark walls. Good drainage matters more than shelter.

Companion planting: Agaves, Yuccas, Lavenders, Gravel plants

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Shelter

Safety

  • Skin irritant

Not known to be toxic, but leaf stalks carry sharp, hooked spines; wear thick gloves and site away from paths and play areas.