Chamaerops humilis

Chamaerops humilis, the European Fan Palm needs little introduction. A stalwart of the British exotic garden, it is next only to Trachycarpus fortunei in its ease of cultivation in the British climate. Hardy to at least -12C, it generally requires a good hot sunny position to mimic its native range although it tolerates shade well and in such a location tends to become leafier and softer in appearance. Chamaerops humilis is a clumping palm, slowly growing multiple trunks. It is slower growing than Trachycarpus species and a large multi-trunked specimen represents many years of growth.

A tough palm, it tolerates extreme drought in its native range and here in the UK will put up with serious sub-zero temperatures, taking both hard frost and snow. Its cold-limit is location dependent but between -10c and -12c is usually safe. The better the drainage the better it will cope with lower temperatures and creating overhang within the microclimate has proved helpful in some of the worst winters we've had.