Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera – Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm

The Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera, also known as the Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm, is a compact and bushy palm, famous for its stunning silvery-blue to pale blue foliage. Unlike most palms, this variety forms multiple stems, giving it a dense and lush appearance. It is highly ornamental, cold-hardy, and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, and Mediterranean landscapes.

Origin and History

Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this palm thrives in arid and mountainous environments. Its natural resistance to cold, wind, and poor soils has made it popular in Europe and North America as an ornamental palm for modern, Mediterranean, and desert gardens.

DATA SHEET

Botanical Specifications

  • Botanical name: Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera
  • Common names: Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm, Atlas Mountain Palm
  • Type: Evergreen palm, clumping (multi-stemmed)
  • Growth rate: Slow to moderate (10–20 cm / 4–8 inches per year)
  • Adult height: 2–5 m (6–16 ft)
  • Spread: Clump 2 to 4 m (6 to 13 ft) wide.
  • Leaf type: Fan-shaped leaves, stiff and silvery-blue.
  • Cold hardiness: Down to -12 °C (10 °F), sometimes lower when mature
  • Life expectancy: Very long-lived; often more than 50 to 70 years.

Care

  • Light: Best in full sun to enhance the blue foliage; tolerates partial shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
  • Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first few years.
  • Fertilization: Use a balanced palm fertilizer in spring/summer.
  • Pruning: Remove old leaves and suckers as desired to shape the clump.
  • Winter tips: Resistant to frost and snow in most temperate climates.

Benefits and Uses

  • The stunning silvery-blue foliage creates a unique color contrast in gardens.
  • Compact and multi-stemmed, perfect for smaller spaces and patios.
  • Extremely hardy: tolerates drought, wind, cold, and poor soils.
  • Ideal for Mediterranean, desert, or modern gardens.
  • Works well in containers, patios, and rock gardens.

Landscaping Inspiration

The Blue Mediterranean Palm can be used in many ways:

  • Specimen plant for modern gardens or patios.
  • Group plantings for a dense, exotic effect.
  • In containers for patios and terraces.
  • Desert-style gardens with agaves, yuccas, and cacti.

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Yellowing leaves: Often a nutrient deficiency → apply palm fertilizer.
  • Cold damage (young plants): Protect from extreme frost; mature palms are hardy.
  • Pests: Occasionally affected by mealybugs → Treat with horticultural oil.
  • Old leaves turning brown: Natural process; prune for a clean appearance.

Availability and Sizes

We offer Trachycarpus fortunei palms in different sizes

  • 0 – 10 cm
  • 10 – 30 cm
  • 30 – 50 cm
  • 50 – 75 cm
  • 75 – 100 cm
  • 100 – 150 cm

Contact

Please leave your contact details if you are interested in this palm, and we will get in touch as soon as possible.

Our Philosophy

«We cultivate each plant as we live: chemical-free, using green energy, and with complete respect for nature.»
«We are not in a hurry, we do not pollute: we cultivate with purpose, for a greener future.»
Pepe Ruiz Camps, Owner