© La Palmeraie

© La Palmeraie

We regularly receive the question which palm tree will not grow taller than 6 tot 10 feet (2 to 3 metres) and whether growth can be limited. After all, not everyone has enough space for a huge palm tree and you want to avoid unpleasant surprises of course. In this article we will give you more insight into which types of palm meet your wishes, what you should pay attention to and which expectations are realistic.

Keeping small by pruning not possible

Unlike many other trees and shrubs in the garden, the growth of a palm cannot be controlled by pruning. The leaves are formed in only one place, in the heart of the palm and if you prune this you end up with a dead trunk without foliage. Some claim that you can limit growth by leaving the palm in a pot. This too is only partly true. The palm will indeed grow a bit slower but the growth will continue. Above all, it will look less beautiful and will need more attention in terms of nutrients and watering. This also applies to palms that are placed in pots in the open ground. It will not restrict growth but will cause problems later on due to reduced support because insufficient lateral roots were formed.

Pick the right species

There are over 4000 palm species but only a handful is really suitable to keep in the garden with a temperate climate. This is what we focus on in this article. For the sake of convenience, we also limit ourselves to those species that are easy to obtain. When choosing a suitable palm, it is advisable to look carefully in advance at what the right properties of the palm are and what exactly the needs of this type of palm are. The desired height of the palm can be such a wish, but also think of the hardness of the palm, the water needs,….

The following articles are certainly relevant here:

Palm trees care
What should I look for when buying a palm?
Can a palm tree be planted next to the pond/terrace?
How to plant a palm tree in your garden

Once you have an eye on a certain species, this article can give a realistic picture of the growth rate:

How old is my palm tree and how fast does it grow?

Below is a non-exhaustive overview of some common species and their characteristics, starting with 2 species that indeed more or less meet the demand of 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 metres) maximum height.

Chamaerops humilis

(full description)
The European fan palm is a small perennial species that grows more in shrub form because of the offshoots. It is hardy to -12°C/10.4°F and likes the drier sunny location. If there is too much moisture, it is particularly troublesome in winter, which is initially manifested by black dots on the leaves. It requires no special care and growth is rather slow. The leaf stalks have sharp spines, keep this in mind in places that are frequently walked past. Ideal for smaller gardens and also very suitable for pots on the terrace or balcony.

Trachycarpus fortunei

(full description)
The Chinese windmill palm is actually the palm of choice for almost any garden. Although the final height is about 12 meters it will take many years before the palm is actually that big. So don’t be put off by this. We estimate that the Trachycarpus at the very top of this article is at least 30 years old. The pictures below illustrate the effective growth best. It is striking that smaller planted palms grow much faster than palms plantend when they were already large. It’s an extremely easy palm that grows well in almost any place. It is hardy down to -18°C/-0.4°F and therefore doesn’t really need any real care. It grows best in open ground but can also be kept in pots if desired. Due to its narrower appearance it fits even in smaller gardens.

Alternatives

Possible alternatives to palms that do not grow too big too quickly and do not require too special care are

Jubaea chilensis

This palm grows very slowly and is therefore a lot more expensive. It is hardy to around -12°C/10.4°F but needs to be kept dry during more extreme winters. Although it can become very substantial over time, its slow growth makes it a beautiful palm, even for the medium sized garden.

Butia odorata

A beautiful palm that is hardy to around -12°C/10.4°F and therefore only needs protection during the colder winters. It grows relatively compact, which makes it easy to place even in the smaller garden. However, the palm is less common and is commonly sold under the name Butia capitata.

Less appropriate…

Phoenix canarienis

(full description)
The Canary date palm is often offered for sale as a small specimen in supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres. However, this is typically a palm that quickly becomes unmanageable in size. It grows relatively fast, especially once it’s really established in open ground but is only hardy to -6°C/21.2°F, so with the exception of very mild winters it always needs protection. A beautiful palm but only suitable for large gardens and mild climates or for enthusiasts who have no problems applying the protection which is a huge job once it’s bigger. It also does well in pots but will still continue to grow well, so the pot will become too small after a while. It can withstand root pruning so it can be kept in the same pot a little longer.

Washingtonia robusta

(full description)
The Mexican fan palm is another typical palm that often appears in advertising leaflets as a small specimen. However, it grows very fast and needs little specific care. Due to its limited hardness, – 4°C/24.8°F and its generous size after a few years, planting is only recommended for enthusiasts who know what they are getting into. Sooner or later it will become too big to protect and then a slightly harsher winter can be fatal.

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This summer, after 20 years, we went back to the beautiful Cevennes, in the south of France, near Alès. Of course a visit to the largest bamboo forest in Europe is a necessity. In this article we give a short impression of the visit.

Bambouseraie De Prafrance

Trench as root barrier

cross section: clumping vs running

Cornus contreversa ‘variegata’

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In every do-it-yourself and/or garden centre you will find them; pergolas. However, the canvas isn’t really durable. That’s why we converted our pergola into an exotic hut. In the video below you can see how.

Bamboo-hut

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If you only have a balcony at your disposal, there is certainly no reason not to keep exotic plants. There are plenty of possibilities. And even if there are certain restrictions, a balcony often has some advantages as well. On this picture you see our first “own garden”! In this article we already give some useful tips.

Atmosphere!

Because the balcony is usually clearly visible from the house, it is important that the balcony radiates an inviting atmosphere. This can easily be achieved by paying attention to a few details.

For instance, always use the same pots or containers so that it looks more consistent.

Also decorate the balcony with a table and chairs, a garden bench or sitting area. With a lantern, candles or possibly a suitable statue you can finalize it.

With a reed mat or bamboo fence a boring wall or balcony fence can also be covered or a waste container can be neatly hidden. That is not only more enjoyable, it also provides more privacy.

Make sure you have evergreen plants so that it is still worthwhile during the winter.

Keep in mind the growth of the plants. Some species quickly become too big. In terms of palms, Trachycarpus is therefore not recommended. Rather opt for a Chamaerops that remains much smaller but can still get a considerable size.

With a small pond you can easily add some life. There exist ready-to-use water falls, but you can also create a mini-pond yourself with a wine barrel.

By using hanging baskets or hanging pots on the wall you create depth. There are special cloths for the wall to create a vertical garden.

Herbs and certain vegetables are perfectly suited for growing in smaller containers. This way the garden is also useful for the kitchen!

Chamaerops humilis; growth in 4 years

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Of course, keeping exotic plants does not have to be limited exclusively to the garden. Exotic plants can also be kept in the living room. In this article we give some recommendations and points of attention. This way you can also enjoy exotic plants without a garden or extend the exotic garden to the living room.

Emplacement

Plants obviously need light. Lots of light! Even places that seem light enough for the human eye are often too dark for plants. Only a few plant species that naturally also occur as undergrowth in dark places will do well a little further away in the living room. In general, the place right next to a window is not an unnecessary luxury. Normally the glass filters all harmful radiation and there is little or no risk of burning. Be careful with any radiators that are placed close by. These provide a very dry air with an increased risk of spider mite. Floor heating is less problematic, especially when you water via the saucer (more about this later).

Which plant?

By paying some attention to the plant choice, you not only avoid disappointments but also prevent an unsuitable plant from wasting away and then appearing ugly in the living room.

A suitable plant can withstand the limited amount of light (relative to outdoors), the constant room temperature (also in the dark winter months) and the relatively dry air.

Because houses used to be much more draughty and only partially heated by a stove or fire, other plants were common than nowadays.  Ferns, for instance, used to be very common as houseplants, but nowadays they are far from easy to keep.

Some very suitable plants for the living room:

palms:

• Chamaedorea-species (Chamaedorea elegans, Chamaedorea radicalis,…)
• Dypsis lutescens (the popular “Areca”)
• Howea forsteriana (the well known “Kentia”, also suitable for the more darker emplacements)
• Phoenix roebelenii (if placed colder during the winter months)

Howea forsteriana, Dypsis lutescens, Phoenix roebelenii

bananas & relatives:

• Musa acumunita ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ (most sold banana plant, often sold under names as; Musa nana, Musa tropicana,…)
• Strelitzia reginae ( if placed colder during the winter months for new blossoming)
• Strelitzia nicolai
• Alocasia-species (Alocasia calidora, Alocasia portadora,…)

Musa acumunita ‘Dwarf Cavendish’, Strelitzia reginae, Alocasia macrorrhiza

other exotics:

• Monstera deliciosa
• Ficus elastica
• Fatsia japonica
• Calathea-soorten
• succulents (Aloe, Agave,…)

Monsteria deliciosa

Some unsuitable plants for the living room:

palms & relatives:

• Trachycarpus-species
• Cocos nucifera (the very popular Coconut)
• Cycas revoluta (needs more light)

bananas & relatives:

• Musa basjoo
• Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelli’
• Heliconia-species
• Colocasia-species

other:

• bamboo (air too dry indoors)

Of course this overview is not complete, it only gives an idea! As always, the place of origin gives a good idea of what the plant requires. Plants from typical tropical areas will suffer from too dry air indoors, e.g. for Heliconias. Some plants also need a cool winter. Sometimes for stimulating new blooming such as the Strelitzia for instance, others because of the combination of high temperature and short, dark days that confuse them, such as the Phoenix roebelenii for instance.

Watering

Many of the problems with indoor plants are caused by unadjusted watering (often too much!). Be sure to watch our instruction video and give as much as possible via the saucer. Not only does the water evaporate alongside the plant for an improved humidity, but this way you also avoid the annoying sciarid flies that otherwise reproduce in the moist potting soil.

Alternatives

If you do not have a single suitable place in the house, there are still some possibilities. For instance, with a paludarium you can imitate a mini climate. You can also make a mini garden to put on the table.

paludarium

oa. Biophytum sensitivum

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Common name:
Persian silk tree, sleeping tree

Origin: Iran, Pakistan, Himalayas, China, Japan and Ethiopia

Leaf: deciduous, the divided leaves folds at night

Flower: Light pink inflorescences, July-August

Trunk: Grey-green

Emplacement: Full sun

Growing rate: Fast

Height: 8-15 meter (26-49ft)

Hardiness: -15°C (5°F)

Reproduction:

Albizia may be propagated by sowing or grafting. The Albizia cannot be reproduced by cuttings nor by air layering. The trees in the local garden centre are usually grafted. The advantage is that they bloom faster, often from the very beginning. The disadvantage is that the graft remains a sensitive area and if the tree freezes down, it may not sprout again.

Care:

The Albizia requires little specific care. Pruning is not necessary, unless a certain branch is in the way. It is best placed in full sun on a well-drained spot. It does not like wet soil and doesn’t like transplanting when it comes to larger specimens.

Winter care:

In regular (milder) winters, no specific protection is required. For more severe winters (colder than -15°C / 5°F), wrapping is recommended.

Growing rate:

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2014: First flower!

2015

2016

2017

2018

Popular cultivars:

There are quite a lot of cultivars on the market, below the most common ones

Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’

Striking variety with dark colored leaves. Very popular and much sold. However, it is less hardy and can only survive without protection during milder winters and on a favorable spot.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosea’

The colour of the leaves ranges from green to pink.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Ombrella (Boubri)’

Wide parasol-shaped leaf crown.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Ernest Wilson’

Similar to the Boubri but grows more in height.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Evi’s Purple’

Albizia julibrissin ‘Evi’s Pride’

Striking variety with the leaves colour to burgundy red. Hardiness similar to regular julibrissin and therefore a good alternative to Summer’s Chocolate. Here in the garden, however, the growth is disappointing.

Albizia julibrissin ‘Shidare (Ishii weeping)’

Rare species with sagging branches.

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Our website no longer only enjoys support in northern Europe, but also attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. Very nice of course, but the typical information about cultivating palms and other tropical plants in the cold and wet climate of Northern Europe does not always apply. Because there are apparently not many clear sources of information to be found cultivation of tropical plants in warmer regions, in this article we provide some tips and good sources of information.

USDA zone

The USDA zone is a useful starting point for growing exotic plants and palm trees in warmer regions. This way you can compare your own zone with the zone of the original habitat of a certain plant or check if there are certain zones with a similar climate. For instance, not much information can be found about the cultivation of palm trees in North Africa (Morocco, etc.), but there is a lot of information about these plants in Southern California where the climate is almost identical!

Plants that naturally only occur in a certain region are likely to experience difficulties in cooler regions. For example, the Ravenala madagascariensis which does not occur in USDA zones <10. On the other hand, there are also species that have a harder time in warm climates. The Trachycarpus fortunei does better in cold areas and you will hardly see this palm in USDA zones >9.

More information about USDA zones can be found in this article.

Botanical gardens

Local botanical gardens also provide an interesting source of information! In almost every country there are such initiatives to be found and it is the place par excellence to discover all kinds of non-indigenous plants and to see what is possible locally as well.

Often the diversity of the common plants in the area is quite monotonous despite the fact that all sorts of species can be grown. For instance, in Andalousie and North Africa it is mainly Washingtonia, Phoenix and Syagrus that you come across, while many more beautiful palm species may be perfectly grown!

La Concepción Jardín Botánico-Historico de Málaga which is also very active through social media

Interesting sources

All articles and recommendations on this site are given on the basis of personal experiences. When it comes to growing palms and exotic species in warmer climates, this is obviously more tricky. General principles do of course apply in terms of water needs and winter care but with slightly different accents.

On the following sites you will find interesting information about many specific palm varieties and their characteristics:

Trebrown Nursery – UK Hardy Palm Trial Results : overview of species with concrete experiences in terms of minimum temperatures (English)

Palmasur – Palmeras y jardines : overview of species with all characteristics adapted to the Mediterranean climate (Spanish, French, English)

Palmpedia – Palms for California: very complete overview of possible species with all characteristics and experiences (English)

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Jardin Majorelle – Marrakesh dd 2017

Monstera deliciosa

Dypsis decaryi

Hotel La Mamounia – Marrakech

La Concepción Jardín Botánico-Historico – Málaga dd 2018

Roystonea regia

Acoelorrhaphe wrightii

Phoenix sylvestris

Phoenix dactylifera

When creating a garden we naturally want to see results as soon as possible. However, the plants need time to develop. To give a good idea of the average growth rate of the various bamboo species, we have put the different species from our garden next to each other in this article.

Fargesia

Fargesia demissa ‘Gerry’

Fargesia denudata ‘Lancaster 1′

Fargesia denudata ‘Xian II’

Fargesia nitida

Fargesia robusta ‘Pingwu’ & Fargesia robusta ‘Campbell’

Fargesia robusta ‘Wolong’

Fargesia rufa

Fargesia sp ‘Jiuzhaigou 1′

Fargesia sp ‘Jiuzhaigou 4′

Phyllostachys

Phyllostachys vivax ‘Aureocaulis’

Pleioblastus

Pleioblastus pygmaeus

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