Help me chose a palm tree for planting?

Question

I have a wide open space that I'd like to plant a Phoenix Canariensis (aka Phoenix Palm or Canary Island Palm) in. They look like slow growers. How much will it grow per year? I don't want to wait forever to fill out that plot.

I also have Washingtonia Filifera palms (aka Desert Fan Palm) that grow great, about 1 meter/year. But I prefer the Phoenix for the rich crown & space filling.

Both types of palms grow great in our area.

Answer 1

I have a Phoenix Palm in the backyard. It is magnificent and was already here when we bought the house. It grows about half a meter a year. You could also grow a Golden Cane as it is a good privacy screener. Or, you could grow some tall single trunked palms in a group planting.

Answer 2

The canary Island Palm will put on 2-3 foot a year usually, but always depends on how well it takes. With its larger head, it usually won't grow vertically as fast as your Washingtonia. For your situation (Large open area) it is still probably your best choice for a single planting since it has the largest head for Desert conditions. My only other suggestion would be a multiple planting of Washingtonia.

If you are in a Part of Arizona where it doesn't get colder then 30 degrees, a Queen Palm might serve as a good option.

Answer 3

why don't you try a phoenix dactylifera ( date palm ) they are similar , but not as decorative , but they are not as dangerous with no sharp spines at the leaf base , particularly when young .
but with the date palm , it grows fairly rapid .
i personally like a self fronding palm ,like a fox tail or carpentaria , but you might be in the right growing area . good luck .

Answer 4

I would choose indigenous plants, regardless. Cabbage Palms are original Florida palms.

Answer 5

if u prefer phoenix then go for it.