phoenix
( FEE - nicks )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of palms, commonly referred to as Date Palms, includes mostly large trees (though some are small enough for home gardens), and need full sun and regular water. The trunks collect old leaf scars, and small yellow-ish flowers are produced in large sprays. Flowers, if pollinated, will produce fruits called dates (species Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix sylvestris produce some of the best of the genus).
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phoenix Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Date Palms vary, depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm) This species grows well in zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1 and H2, and is native to the Canary Islands. They are hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but are slow to recover from hard frosts. These trees have heavy trunks and slowly reach 60 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Fronds are bright green to deep green, and form a nice crown. Young plants can be grown in containers for many years, and resemble pineapples. These need space and are not for small gardens. Can take seaside conditions. |
Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) This species grows well in zones 8, 9, 11-24, H1 and H2 and is hardy down to around 4 degrees Fahrenheit (though leaves will die off around 20 degrees Fahrenheit). These trees are native to deserts of the Middle East and have waxy, sharp-pointed leaflets. Date Palms reach 80 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide, with a slender trunk. These trees are grown commercially for their fruits; the most commonly grown variety for this purpose is 'Deglet Noor'. Date Palms are too large for home gardens, but these trees do well oceanside or in deserts. |
Phoenix reclinata (Senegal Date Palm) Best in zones 9, 13-17, 21-24 and H2, these palms are damaged below 25 degrees and are native to Africa. Reaches 20-30 feet tall and just as wide. These trees produce offshoots and form clumps of plants, though offshoots can be taken off for a single-trunked look. Fertilize for faster growth. This species is great by the ocean. |
Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm) This species is best in zones 13, 16, 17, 22-24, H2 or grown as an indoor plant. Foliage will damage around 26 degrees Fahrenheit, but will recover quickly in springtime. Native to Laos, these trees are small, slow-growing and single-trunked, topping out at 6-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Leaves are curving. These trees are wonderful in pots or when grown in groves. They need full sun to partial shade, or bright, indirect light if grown indoors. |
Phoenix rupicola (Cliff Date Palm) This species is grown in zones 13, 16, 17, 19-24, H1 and H2. It is hardy down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit and native to India. Trunk is slender, and this species only reaches 25feet tall and 15-20 feet wide. Foliage is lime-green and lush, and lower leaves have a drooping habit to them. Best with some shade, especially when young. |
Phoenix sylvestris (Wild Date Palm, Silver Date Palm) Best in zones 8, 9, 12-24H1 and H2, and is hardy down to 22 degrees Fahrenheit. This native to India reaches 30 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide. The trunk tapers at the base and is narrow at the top, and crown is dense and grey-green. The sap from these trees is used to make date sugar. |
Caring for and pruning phoenix Trees
These trees will hybridize freely, so purchase your tree from a nursery that can identify the tree's seed or plant source with confidence.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 500, Phoenix (Date Palm)
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