Everything you need to know about the Chamaerops Humilis. Species, care, ideal location, and our XXL Chamaerops collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
+The Chamaerops Humilis or European dwarf palm is the only palm that grows naturally in Europe
+It likes a sunny spot and should be sheltered from cold wind to prevent leaf damage
+Water regularly in summer, much drier in winter when the palm is dormant
+Pet-friendly and non-toxic, safe for dogs and cats indoors or in the garden
+Hardy to about minus 10 degrees in the ground, protect in a pot during severe frost
+Available as a full shrub, on a single trunk and as a multi-trunk, each with its own unique look
About this European fan palm planting guide
Chamaerops Humilis, better known as the European fan palm, is a robust fan palm from the Arecaceae family and the only palm that grows naturally in Europe. You can find it wild in the western Mediterranean, from Spain and Portugal to Morocco and Italy.
The Chamaerops stands out with its sturdy, hand-shaped fan leaves and its remarkable hardiness. Mature specimens planted in the ground can tolerate frost down to about minus 10 degrees Celsius. The palm is available as a full bush, on a single trunk, and as a multi-trunk, each with its own look for the garden, patio, or conservatory.
In this guide, you will discover the differences between the growth forms of the Chamaerops, where the palm originates from, and how to best care for it. You will also learn everything about its location, watering, overwintering, and which XXL Chamaerops specimens we offer in our collection.
Whether you want to create a Mediterranean atmosphere on your patio or are looking for a hardy eye-catcher for your garden, this guide provides all the insights to choose the right Chamaerops Humilis and keep it healthy for years, delivered fresh from the grower to your home.
Did you know?
Three facts about the European fan palm that you may not have known yet.
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The only palm native to Europe
The Chamaerops Humilis is the only palm native to Europe. It grows wild in the southern coastal regions of Spain, Portugal and Italy.
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Hardy down to minus 10 degrees
Mature specimens in open ground tolerate frost down to about minus 10 degrees. In a pot it needs some extra protection in severe frost.
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Slow but steady growth
The Chamaerops grows slowly, about 10 to 15 centimetres a year. But it lives a long time and, with the right care, can reach 100 years or more.
European fan palm types and differences
Chamaerops Humilis as a bush
Hoogte, 1 to 2.5 metres
The natural bush shape with several leaf fans from the ground up. Full and compact, giving a lush green mass with no visible trunk.
Chamaerops Humilis on a stem
Hoogte, 1.5 to 3 metres
A specimen with a cleared single trunk and a fan crown on top. Gives a classic, tidy palm look for a terrace or conservatory.
Chamaerops Humilis multi-stem
Hoogte, 1.5 to 3 metres
A palm with several stems from one clump, each with its own crown. A stately, full plant that really fills a space.
Top 5 European fan palm
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European fan palm care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your European fan palm healthy.
1
Watergift
Water the Chamaerops regularly in summer so the compost stays slightly moist but never soaked. In winter water far less; the plant is resting then and tolerates dry soil well. Always ensure good drainage.
2
Light and location
The Chamaerops Humilis likes a sunny spot and takes full sun well. Place it sheltered from cold wind, which can damage the leaf tips. It feels most at home outdoors on a sunny terrace or indoors by a south-facing window.
3
Bemesting
From April to September give liquid palm feed or universal plant food once a month. In autumn and winter the Chamaerops needs no feed, as it barely grows then.
4
Verpotten
Repot the Chamaerops every two to three years in spring into a pot one size larger. Use a free-draining palm substrate or compost with extra grit. The palm grows slowly, so more frequent repotting is not needed.
5
Overwinteren
In open ground a mature Chamaerops is hardy to about minus 10 degrees. In a pot the root ball is more vulnerable, so move it to a sheltered or frost-free spot in severe frost and wrap the pot to protect the roots.
Frequently asked questions about the European fan palm
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the European fan palm.
How often should I water my Chamaerops Humilis?+
A Chamaerops Humilis needs regular water in summer so the compost stays slightly moist but never soaked. In winter water far less, as the palm is then resting. Always ensure good drainage.
Is the Chamaerops Humilis toxic to dogs and cats?+
No, the Chamaerops Humilis is not toxic to dogs and cats. It is a pet-friendly palm you can safely place indoors or in the garden around pets. The leaf tips can feel sharp, though.
What is the difference between a Chamaerops as a bush and on a stem?+
A Chamaerops as a bush has several leaf fans from ground level and looks full and compact. A Chamaerops on a stem has a cleared trunk with a crown on top and gives a classic, tidy palm look.
How old can a Chamaerops Humilis get?+
With the right care a Chamaerops Humilis can live to a great age; a hundred years or more is not unusual. The palm grows slowly, about ten to fifteen centimetres a year, but lasts for generations.
Waarom krijgt mijn Chamaerops bruine bladpunten?+
Brown leaf tips on a Chamaerops are usually caused by cold wind, frost damage or a root ball that dried out in summer. Give the palm a sheltered spot, water enough during the growing season and trim damaged tips neatly.
Is the Chamaerops Humilis hardy?+
Yes, a mature Chamaerops Humilis in open ground is hardy down to about minus 10 degrees. In a pot the root ball is more vulnerable, so move the palm somewhere sheltered in severe frost and wrap the pot for extra protection.
Wanneer moet ik mijn Chamaerops verpotten?+
Repot a Chamaerops every two to three years in spring, when the roots come out of the pot. Choose a pot one size larger and use a free-draining palm substrate. The palm grows slowly, so frequent repotting is not needed.
Which size Chamaerops Humilis should I choose?+
A Chamaerops of around a metre looks lovely on a terrace or balcony, while a two- to three-metre specimen really gives a garden or conservatory structure as a focal point. Choose the height based on the space and the spot you want to dress up.
Plant concepts explained
Waaierpalm
A palm whose leaves spread out fan-like from a central point. The Chamaerops Humilis is the best-known example of a fan palm.
Winterhard
A plant's ability to survive frost. A mature Chamaerops Humilis in open ground is hardy down to about minus 10 degrees.
Multi-stem
A growth form in which the palm produces several stems from one clump, each with its own crown, for a full and stately look.
Sheltered location
A spot out of the wind and away from sharp cold draughts. The Chamaerops Humilis likes sun but wants shelter to avoid leaf damage.
Palmensubstraat
A well-draining potting mix made for palms, with extra grit or coarse material for fast drainage and healthy roots.
Native species
A plant that occurs naturally in a particular area. The Chamaerops Humilis is the only palm that grows natively in Europe.
Read more about the European fan palm
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