Chamaerops Humilis ‘Cerifera’ – Learn, Grow & Where to Buy
Chamaerops Humilis var Cerifera is a classic palm tree with silver-blue coating on the fronds is native to the high Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It has since been adapted to grow in other colder regions such as the UK and is considered one of the hardiest palms to grow in the UK.
Chamaerops Humilis is the singular species in the genus Chamaerops. The genus is closely related and quite similar to the Asian genus Trachycarpus but differs in its multi-stemmed clustering habit and spined petioles. It is a unique plant, ideal for a sunny border plant and makes a great companion plant for Yucca, Olive trees, and other classic Mediterranean plants.
Chamaerops humilis Cerifera – Hardy Blue Fan Palm
Chamaerops Humilis ‘Cerifera’
Commonly called blue Mediterranean fan palm, it is a dwarf palm species with silver-blue fronds that evolved as a coating for the leaves to survive in its natural mountain habitat. It is a slow-growing plant that grows only about 1 foot per year and takes about 20 years to obtain its ultimate height of just 9 feet and spreads about 3 feet in diameter. Also, it blooms inconspicuous, beautiful bright yellow flowers in late spring to early summer followed by fruits, bright-green drupes that ripen to brown or yellow in autumn.
It is an attractive, hardy, and evergreen plant with fronds that spread out as a fan, hence its name. You can grow them comfortably in containers for long periods because of its clustering growing habit. Chamaerops Humilis are easy to take care of and you’ll see this when we talk about their growth and care.
Growing And Caring For Chamaerops Humilis ‘Cerifera’
Once established, Chamaerops Humilis will do well without external interference. They are low maintenance plants, evergreen throughout all the seasons, and extremely hardy surviving temperatures as low as -6 to -9 degrees Celsius.
Let’s look at the ideal conditions to ensure healthy growth:
Soil: It needs moist but well-draining soil that allows water to drain out at a moderate level and doesn’t retain much water. You can consider loamy soil or sandy soil and use containers that have good drainage holes when planting.
Water: It needs an average amount of water in its early years but once it is fully established, you can reduce the watering periods to only drier seasons but ensure that the topsoil is kept moist.
Light: This plant is a sun-lover and appreciates direct, unfiltered sunlight. It can grow in a shaded position, but the best fronds colour is enhanced by its exposure to the summer sun. Also, growing this plant in too much shade is likely to hurt its signature compact form.
Pruning: You don’t need to prune your Chamaerops Humilis plant because its natural shrubby shape adds an accent to the patio deck. If you prune it, it grows in a single-tree trunk form which also looks great in the corner of your landscape.
Frost Hardiness: They are generally frost hardy and can survive in low temperatures. If temperatures drop below -9 degrees celsius or extend for long periods, you can move your container dwarf palms indoors and place it close to a window where it can still get some light.
Pest and diseases: They usually have no serious issues but they look out for spider mites and mealybugs.
How To Plant Chamaerops Humilis ‘Cerifera’
You can propagate a Chamaerops Humilis plant from seeds, suckers, or by division. Growing this plant from seed is the most common growing method. Although it takes a considerable amount of time to germinate it is the most successful propagation method. Growing your plant from the suckers or by division is also a method to consider but it is usually less successful.
Further Reading:
- Grow Guide: Trachycarpus Wagnerianus
- Can you eat Jelly Fruit Palm?
- Grow Guide: Butia Capitata
- How fast do Jelly Palms grow?
- How quickly does Trachycarpus Palm grow?
Other popular palm trees you might be interested in are the hardy backbone Trachycarpus Fortunei Chusan Palm, Butia Capitata, Chamaerops Humilis, Chamaerops Humilis Cerifera, Chamaerops Humilis Vulcano, Howea Forsteriana (Kentia Palm), Livistona Rotundifolia, Phoenix canariensis, Washingtonia Robusta, Areca Dypsis and Yucca Palms.
