WASHINGTONIA PALM

Washingtonia Palms, commonly known as Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) and California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera), are iconic, fast-growing palms widely used in Florida landscapes. Here’s a detailed overview:

✅ Species Overview

Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm):

Height: 70–100 ft (sometimes up to 100 ft in Florida).
Trunk: Tall, slender, smooth with diamond-shaped leaf scars.
Leaves: Dark green, fan-shaped, 3–5 ft wide.
Cold Tolerance: Down to 20°F; thrives in USDA Zones 9–11.
Growth Rate: Very fast—up to 3 ft per year under ideal conditions.

Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm):

Height: 50–60 ft (sometimes up to 80 ft).
Trunk: Thicker and rougher than robusta; retains old fronds forming a “skirt.”
Leaves: Light green with thread-like fibers.
Cold Tolerance: Down to 15°F; more cold-hardy than robusta.
Growth Rate: Slower than robusta but still vigorous.

✅ Appearance & Features

Fronds: Large, fan-shaped leaves with sharp-toothed petioles.
Flowers & Fruit: Creamy white flowers in spring; small black fruits.
Trunk: Covered with old leaf bases (“boots”) when young; older palms often have a shaggy “petticoat” of dead fronds unless trimmed. Referred to as a ‘skirt’

✅ Care & Maintenance

Light: Full sun is essential.
Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy and alkaline soils.
Water: Moderately drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during establishment.
Fertilizer: Use palm-specific fertilizer with micronutrients (especially potassium).
Pruning: Remove dead fronds to prevent fire hazards and pests; beware of sharp petiole teeth.
Spacing: Plant at least 6–8 ft from structures; rows should be spaced 6 ft apart.

✅ Cold & Salt Tolerance

Cold: Very hardy for Florida; robusta tolerates ~20°F, filifera ~15°F.
Salt: Moderately salt-tolerant—suitable for coastal landscapes but not direct beachfront.
Wind: Excellent wind resistance; commonly used in hurricane-prone areas.

✅ Landscape Uses

Street & Boulevard Planting: Iconic rows along roads and beaches.
Architectural Accent: Perfect for large properties and tall buildings.
Property Borders: Creates dramatic vertical accents.
Not Ideal for Small Yards: Can overpower single-story homes due to height.

⚠️ Things to Watch

Pests/Disease: Fusarium wilt and potassium deficiency are common issues.
Maintenance: Tall palms require professional trimming as they age.