- Types of Palms<\/a><\/li>
- Feather Palms<\/a><\/li>
- Fan Palms<\/a><\/li>
- Many More Choices<\/a><\/li>
- How Do You Take Care of Palm Trees?<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ: Best Palm Trees to Plant in Phoenix<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Types of Palms<\/h2>
Phoenix is perfect for palm trees because many are made for dry, hot climates with an average winter temperature between 25 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This puts Phoenix in the USDA Hardiness zones<\/a> of 9b and 10a.<\/p>
Choosing which of the more than 2,500 species of palm trees to plant can be a little challenging. <\/p>
Based on leaf shape, we\u2019ve broken up the list into two types of palms. <\/p>
- Feather palms<\/strong>: Have pinnate leaves \u2014 a leaf with smaller leaflets positioned on either side of the stem in the middle of the fronds, like a feather.
<\/li>- Fan palms:<\/strong> Have palmate leaves \u2014 a leaf with segments extending from a central point and resembling an open hand or fan.<\/li> <\/ul>
When choosing a palm tree, consider the following factors: Height and spread at maturity, upkeep, property size, any nearby structures, soil quality, and availability of sunlight and water.<\/p>
If you want that Phoenix feel but live in a cooler climate there are several cold-hardy palm trees to choose from.<\/p>
Feather Palms<\/h2>
Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"queen](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/3672591078_3b24fe18ad_k-1.jpg\")
Queen Palm
Photo Credit: mauro halpern<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Queen Palms give pools, home gardens, and huge courtyards a luxurious, tropical atmosphere. Syagrus romanzoffiana<\/em><\/a> is a favorite choice in Phoenix because of its year-round majestic appearance and long, vibrant green fronds.<\/p>
Syagrus romanzoffiana<\/em> can thrive in a range of environments and make a fantastic addition to landscape designs. Once they reach a great height, you\u2019ll need to hire a professional<\/a> to prune the queen palm trees’ tops.<\/p>
Ideal for: <\/strong>Parks, lining streets, pools<\/a>, and expansive commercial and residential properties. Keep in mind the flowers and fruit can fall off at maturity and pile up in the area and are considered a bit messy.<\/p>
Flowers\/Fruit:<\/strong> In the summer, plumes of creamy white blooms bloom, and in the winter, trailing clusters of orange fruits appear. <\/p>
Foliage:<\/strong> The fluffy, glossy green fronds can grow to be up to 15 feet long. As the fronds age and die, they may turn yellow or brown.<\/p>
Growth rate:<\/strong> Moderately fast \u2014 can grow 2 to 6 feet a year<\/p>
- Hardiness zone:<\/strong> Hardy in zones 9b to 11<\/a><\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun or part shade<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate once established <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Prefers sandy, acidic, and well-drained soil<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> Can reach up to 40 feet<\/li>
- Mature Spread<\/strong>: Reaches 15 to 30 feet wide<\/li>
- Mature Trunk<\/strong>: About 1.5 to 2 feet wide<\/li>
- Water Needs<\/strong>: Medium to high<\/li> <\/ul>
Grower\u2019s Notes:<\/strong> Syagrus romanzoffiana<\/em> flourishes with nitrogen fertilizer<\/a>, extra iron to prevent chlorosis, and plenty of water. Queen palms need regular watering, with extra care when plants are young. Planting in wind-protected areas can help decrease damage.<\/p>
Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Phoenix](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Phoenix_canariensis_CBMen_6-1.jpg\")
Canary Island Date Palm
Photo Credit: Donkey shot<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>A date palm that grows well in Phoenix is the Phoenix canariensis<\/em>, also known as the Canary Island date palm or pineapple palm. <\/p>
The beautiful Canary Island date palm is a sizable feather palm (up to 50 feet tall) with a broad spread. Long and arching, glossy, dark green fronds with orange midribs give the crown a fountain-like look.<\/p>
And like a true date palm tree, Phoenix canariensis<\/em><\/a> does produce fruit, but the fruit from this palm tree is more ornamental. Technically, you could eat it, but you probably won\u2019t want to.<\/p>
Ideal for:<\/strong> Large commercial and home landscapes<\/a>, parks, and along avenues. Young trees make attractive and easy-to-care-for container plants.<\/p>
Flowers\/Fruit:<\/strong> Panicle flowers have a creamy-yellow color and can grow up to 4 feet long. Flowers in female plants transform into clusters of reddish-yellow dates.<\/p>
Foliage: <\/strong>Rich, evergreen feather-like pinnate leaves up to 15 feet long.<\/p>
Growth rate:<\/strong> Slow \u2014 about 1 foot<\/a> a year<\/p>
- Hardiness zone:<\/strong> Hardy in zones<\/a> 9 to 11 <\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun; part shade tolerant<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Good when well-established <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Slightly acidic, well-drained, organic-rich<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> 40 to 50 feet<\/li>
- Mature Spread<\/strong>: 20 to 40 feet<\/li>
- Mature Trunk<\/strong>: 3 to 4 feet wide<\/li>
- Water Needs<\/strong>: Low to moderate once established<\/li> <\/ul>
Grower\u2019s Notes: <\/strong>Speed up growth with regular, deep irrigation<\/a> and fertilizing. For the best look, prune regularly. Phoenix canariensis<\/em> has a well-known tolerance for salt and drought conditions.<\/p>
Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Phoenix](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/800px-Starr_031108-0139_Phoenix_roebelenii.jpg\")
Pygmy Date Palm
Photo Credit: <\/a>Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>If you like the look of date palms, but don\u2019t have room for a large Canary Island variation, consider the <\/em>pygmy date palm. This one has a very similar look, but its trunk rarely gets bigger than 10 feet. <\/p>
Native to Southeast Asia, the Phoenix roebelenii<\/em><\/a> can add an elegant look to your lawn without taking up too much space. A dense, beautiful crown forms on a single or multi stemmed, straight or curved trunk. The arching, finely cut, dark evergreen leaves give this plant a delicate, polished look.<\/p>
Ideal for: <\/strong>It works perfectly for container gardens<\/a>, sheltered areas, and as a houseplant.<\/p>
Flowers\/Fruit:<\/strong> On female trees, the cream-colored blossoms grow into edible date clusters.<\/p>
Foliage: <\/strong>This palm grows arching, elegant fronds up to 3+ feet long with tiny leaflets.<\/p>
Growth rate:<\/strong> Slow \u2014 3 to 4 inches<\/a> a year.<\/p>
- Hardiness zone:<\/strong> Hardy in zones 9 to 11<\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Part shade to full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil. Tolerates some clay or loam as long as it drains well.<\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> From 6 to 10 feet<\/a>, smaller if grown indoors<\/li>
- Mature Spread<\/strong>: About 3 to 5 feet wide <\/li>
- Mature Trunk<\/strong>: Slender, usually planted in clusters<\/li>
- Water Needs<\/strong>: Moderate; prefers lightly moist, not soggy, well-drained soil during the growing season<\/li> <\/ul>
Grower\u2019s Notes: <\/strong>Remove dead or damaged leaves when needed. Wear gloves<\/a> to avoid the sharp spines at the bottom of the pygmy date palm leaflets. Consistent irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application encourage robust and healthy development.<\/p>
Fan Palms<\/h2>
Mexican Blue Palm (Brahea armata<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Brahea](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/800px-Brahea_armata_Palmera_azul_I.jpeg\")
Mexican Blue Palm
Photo Credit: <\/a><\/a>Rjcastillo<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Brahea armata<\/em> has a broad, straight single trunk, thicker at the base and topped with a magnificent crown of pointed fan-shaped leaves in frosty blues and greens. With leaves measuring 6 to 8 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet long, the leaf stalks, or petioles, can reach lengths of 5 feet.<\/p>
The Mexican blue palm is a stunning native of the Baja Peninsula. Brahea armata<\/em><\/a> can tolerate extreme heat and dryness while remaining a cold hardy palm, making it a great choice for tough desert conditions where other palms may struggle. The pretty blue leaves contrast nicely with desert plants.<\/p>
Ideal for:<\/strong> As a landscaping palm, in a Mediterranean-inspired<\/a> landscape, or in a container garden. <\/p>
Flowers\/Fruit:<\/strong> Softly aromatic, milky white flowers arranged on stalks up to 18 feet<\/a> long.<\/p>
Foliage: <\/strong>Silver-blue, waxy leaves arch gracefully from an upright columnar trunk.<\/p>
Growth rate:<\/strong> Very slow \u2014 grows between 3-5 inches<\/a> a year.<\/p>
- Hardiness zone:<\/strong> Hardy in zones 9 to 11<\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: High <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Well-drained soil of most types<\/a><\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> From 25 to 30 feet<\/li>
- Mature Spread<\/strong>: Between 6 to 10 feet <\/li>
- Mature Trunk<\/strong>: Averages 3 feet or more<\/li>
- Water Needs<\/strong>: Low to medium; water once a month <\/li> <\/ul>
Grower\u2019s Notes: <\/strong>Tolerates extremes of heat, cold, wind, and a variety of growing environments. Cut off dead fronds<\/a> that have folded down to the trunk. If old growth is not removed, Brahea armata<\/em> will develop a shaggy skirt.<\/p>
Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Mediterranean](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/798px-Chamaerops_humilis_argentea1.jpg\")
Mediterranean Fan Palm<\/figcaption><\/figure> Of all palms, the slow-growing Chamaerops humilis<\/em><\/a> <\/em>is among the most cold hardy. Leaflets that range in color from blue to gray-green are rigid and make up the fronds’ fan form. At the end of each curved stem, these finally consolidate into a dense crown. <\/p>
The Mediterranean fan palm is also known as the “European fan palm” since it is the only palm tree native to Europe. The bushy, multi trunked variety of the highly diverse Chamaerops humilis<\/em> is a popular choice in Phoenix<\/a> because it thrives here.<\/p>
Ideal for: <\/strong>Creates a lovely privacy screen or group highlight in a corner. Use in containers for foundation, patio, or deck areas. Even indoor growing is an option.<\/p>
Flowers\/Fruit:<\/strong> Springtime brings the appearance of bright yellow blooms, which are usually blocked from view by the stems of the leaves.<\/p>
Foliage: <\/strong>Palmate-compound leaves that are enormous, triangular, and finely textured. Each leaf ranges from pale blue-green to silver-green up to 2 feet long and wide.<\/p>
Growth rate:<\/strong> Slow \u2014 only about 6 inches<\/a> a year<\/p>
- Hardiness zone:<\/strong> Hardy in zones 8 to 11<\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun, partial shade tolerant<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Medium to high once established <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Prefers organically rich, moist, good drainage <\/li>
- Mature Height:<\/strong> Between 5 to 15 feet<\/li>
- Mature Spread<\/strong>: From 5 to 20 feet <\/li>
- Mature Trunk<\/strong>: Clumping, stem suckers eventually result in grouping<\/li>
- Water Needs<\/strong>: Moderate; water weekly or more often if in pots or during drought <\/li> <\/ul>
Grower\u2019s Notes:<\/strong> Sharp, needle-like spikes protect the stalks. Mediterranean fan palms<\/a> can withstand a lot of neglect, but they thrive in rich soil and lots of water. Pruning will reduce the number of stems and remove defunct fronds.<\/p>
Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Trachycarpus](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3786458514_53cdcf4f6d_o.jpg\")
Windmill Palm
Photo Credit: <\/a>Leonora (Ellie) Enking<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Trachycarpus fortunei<\/em> is not only extremely tough for a palm, but it is also the ideal choice for smaller gardens. It begins as a foundation plant with a single, hairy trunk and matures into a tall, slender column with a tight crown of green foliage.<\/p>
A compact, symmetrical crown with a windmill-like display of fan-shaped fronds. The straight, slender trunk of the windmill palm<\/a> tapers from top to bottom. Old frond stumps peek out from under a thick coating of hairy, black fibers.<\/p>
Ideal for: <\/strong>Small gardens, containers, pool areas, and rock gardens<\/a>.<\/p>
Flowers\/Fruit:<\/strong> The golden yellow flowers bloom on drooping panicles that can grow up to 2 feet long. Dark blue drupes develop on female trees.<\/p>
Foliage: <\/strong>Divided, fan-shaped evergreen leaves up to 3 feet long and wide. They have a waxy, gray layer on the underside.<\/p>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun, partial shade tolerant<\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun<\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Part shade to full sun<\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun; part shade tolerant<\/li>
- Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun or part shade<\/li>
- Fan palms:<\/strong> Have palmate leaves \u2014 a leaf with segments extending from a central point and resembling an open hand or fan.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Feather Palms<\/a><\/li>