Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera – Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm

 

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

Origin & History

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

Botanical Specifications

 

  • Botanical name: Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera

  • Common names: Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm, Atlas Mountain Palm

  • Type: Evergreen, clumping palm (multi-stemmed)

  • Growth rate: Slow to moderate (10–20 cm / 4–8 in per year)

  • Mature height: 2–5 m (6–16 ft)

  • Spread: 2–4 m (6–13 ft) wide clump

  • Leaf type: Fan-shaped, stiff, silver-blue leaves

  • Cold hardiness: Down to −12 °C (10 °F), sometimes lower when mature

  • Lifespan: Very long-lived; often over 50–70 years

 

 

 

 

Care & Growing Conditions

 

  • Light: Best in full sun to enhance the blue foliage; tolerates partial shade

  • Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils

  • Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly in first years

  • Fertilization: Use a balanced palm fertilizer in spring/summer

  • Pruning: Remove old fronds and suckers as desired to shape the clump

  • Winter tips: Hardy to frost and snow in most temperate climates

 

 

Benefits & Uses

 

  • Stunning silvery-blue foliage creates unique color contrast in gardens

  • Compact and multi-stemmed, perfect for smaller spaces and patios

  • Extremely resilient: drought, wind, cold, and poor soil tolerant

  • Great for Mediterranean, desert, or modern gardens

  • Works well in containers, courtyards, and rock gardens

 

 

 

 

Landscape Inspiration

The Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm can be used in many ways:

  • Specimen plant for modern gardens or courtyards

  • Grouped plantings for a dense, exotic effect

  • In containers for patios and terraces

  • Desert-style gardens with agaves, yuccas, and cacti

Common Problems & Solutions

 

  • Yellowing leaves: Often nutrient deficiency → apply palm fertilizer

  • Cold damage (young plants): Protect from extreme frost; mature palms are hardy

  • Pests: Occasionally affected by scale insects → treat with horticultural oil

  • Old fronds browning: Natural process; prune for a clean look

 

 

Availability & Sizes

We offer Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera palms in different sizes:

0 - 10 cm

10 - 30 cm

30 - 50 cm

50 - 75 cm

75 - 100 cm

100 - 150 cm




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