Phoenix canariensis - Canary Island Date Palm

Phoenix canariensis, also known as the Canary Island Date Palm, is one of the most extensively planted palms in all regions of the world. With a strong and upright trunk, topped by a magnificent cluster of gracefully arching fronds impeccably arranged in a spherical crown, it captivates with its majestic habit, perfect aesthetics, and silhouette that perfectly corresponds to the ideal of a palm tree. It grows rapidly in fertile and moist soil, tolerates drought and cold temperatures down to -7° C (19.4° F), can withstand acidic or alkaline soils, partial shade, and sea spray. 

Phoenix canariensis belongs to the large family of Arecaceae. It is native, as its name indicates, to the Canary Islands. A botanical symbol of its native islands, it has since become emblematic of Mediterranean landscapes, or rather neo-Mediterranean landscapes. The Canary Island Date Palm is a tree species from the subtropical forests of the archipelago, located between 300 m and 500 m (984.3 ft to 1640.4 ft) in altitude on the north slope and between 500 m to 1000m (1640.4 ft to 3280.8 ft) in altitude on the south slope. It has become quite rare, due to human pressure on its natural habitat, and has been forced to take refuge in areas that are less accessible to tourist activities.

It produces a single trunk, called the stipe, which is tinted with brown or grey, and covered with scales that are remnants of the old petioles. It can reach a height of 15 m (49.2 ft) with a diameter of 60 cm (23.6 in) in open ground. At the top of this stipe, a crown composed of more than 150 large palmate leaves, called fronds, develops. Each leaf, which can reach a length of 5 m (16.4 ft), is slightly drooping and carried by a long petiole bordered with spines. It is composed of narrow, plicate, tough, and rigid pinnules, of a deep and vivid green colour. Flowering occurs in summer, in the form of inflorescences that appear between the leaves, with a different appearance depending on whether they are male or female specimens. Male inflorescences are shorter and somewhat reminiscent of brooms. Female inflorescences are long, pendulous, and adorned with small yellow flowers. These small flowers are followed by non-edible but decorative fruits, shaped like acorns, yellow-orange and then brownish at maturity. Each fruit contains an elongated seed with a furrow, similar to dates.

Phoenix canariensis is a magnificent palm tree, to be planted either alone on a lawn or in rows in mild climates, including coastal areas. It requires space to fully reveal its beauty and grows quickly if it does not lack water or nutrients. It is becoming increasingly popular among landscaping professionals as well as amateur gardeners who appreciate exotic but hardy plants. It can sometimes be challenging to grow it alongside other plants. Reserve a corner of a pool for it and plant small evergreen shrubs like bushy sage, teucrium, and single-flowered varieties. For exotic borders, plant it with colourful Phormiums, precise and geometric agaves, the almost metallic Astelia chathamica, the orange-coloured Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' in autumn, and the violet and delicate Verbena bonariensis.