(aka: Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera) Chamaerops humilis var. argentea is a variety of the deer-resistant European fan palm that hails from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco where it grows up to 5,400' elevation. As this variety matures, instead of green foliage like the species, this fan palm has powder-blue foliage with silver undersides similar to Brahea armata. Our clumps of silver European fan palm, planted in 2004, are now 3' tall x 6' wide and survived our cold 2013/2014 winter, losing only the old foliage. Maintenance: Silver European fan palm is effectively a no-maintenance palm. Unless an extremely cold winter burns back the foliage, there is really nothing else to do to keep it happy and healthy. Growing Conditions: Silver European fan palm prefers a hot, sunny site with good drainage. It is not a plant that fares well in shade or wet sites, so these must be avoided. Garden Value: The evergreen silver foliage of Chamaerops humilis var. argentea is a superb specimen plant, as well as serving as a foil for other colored foliage in the garden. It provides a tropical feel in a warm temperate garden. Watch our Plant Spotlight video for more information.
