Canary Island Date Palm

Common name Canary Island Date Palm
Botanical name Phoenix canariensis
Family Arecaceae
Natural range Islands off Spain
Mature height 20-40m
Form Upright stem, bushy crown
Likes Deep, well-drained soil
Dislikes Heavy pruning
Where to plant Somewhere with long hot summers and no frosts
Known for Iconic palm tree

Where Does the Canary Island Date Palm Originate?

Embodying a quintessential tropical charm, the Canary Island Date Palm, or Phoenix canariensis, is a native species from a group of dry, arid islands situated to the west of Africa. Nowadays, you can find this iconic palm decorating landscapes around the globe, from residential gardens to expansive parklands.

A palm of grand proportions: Reaching mature heights between 20 to 40 meters, the Canary Island Date Palm is nothing short of majestic. Some have been reported to even double this height! Its trunk, upright and thick, spans nearly a meter across with a wide flared base, giving it a commanding presence. The trunk is etched with leaf scars, creating a stacked pattern, which, with the careful touch of a specialist arborist, can be fashioned into a striking feature known as ‘snake-skinning’.

What Precautions Should Be Taken While Pruning Date Palms?

During the maintenance of your Canary Island Date Palm, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Near the leaf bases are spikes, which have been the cause of thousands of injuries. These spikes can harbour bacteria and potentially cause infections that may require medical attention. Hence, when pruning your palm, ensure you’re wearing protective gear, such as leather gloves and safety glasses.

Safety first: Proper protective gear is a must-have when taking care of your Canary Island Date Palm.

How Resilient is the Phoenix sp. to Cold Weather?

While these palms originate from subtropical islands at relatively low elevations, they exhibit an impressive degree of cold-hardiness. Mature Canary Island Date Palms can weather temperatures as low as -10°C for brief periods and bounce back, albeit with frost-damaged fronds.

Can Mature Canary Island Date Palms be Transplanted?

An interesting facet of the Canary Island Date Palm is its ability to be transplanted as a mature tree. The root balls are typically cut about 1 meter from the trunk and older fronds are removed to curb water loss. The remaining fronds are tied together, while the transplanted tree is supported by scaffolding until it firmly roots itself.

A measure of time: It’s fascinating to note that a Canary Island Date Palm with a 10-meter trunk is approximately 60 years old!

How Flexible is the Date Palm Regarding Soil Types?

The Canary Island Date Palm is quite adaptable and can thrive in a wide array of soils, provided they offer good drainage. Once established, these trees can endure periods of both drought and flooding, as long as these conditions are not prolonged. Although they are most ideally suited to deep, well-drained loams in climates with long, hot summers and frost-free winters, their salt spray tolerance also makes them an excellent choice for coastal and urban areas.

How Much Space Does the Canary Island Date Palm Need to Grow?

The key to a happy Canary Island Date Palm is abundant space. These trees can grow to formidable sizes, and it’s not uncommon to see small palms planted in spaces they will soon outgrow in just a few seasons. Considering that a mature palm can stretch over 10 meters across and take many years to reach a height that allows for walking underneath, it’s essential to plant this species in open landscapes where there is ample room to grow.