Like T.Fortunei, C.Humilis has been grown in this country for many years.
Despite being popular, it never seems to have caught the imagination of palm growers in the same way that T.Fortunei has.
I’ve a sneaky feeling, this is due to the fact that although C,Humilis is a very variable palm, it’s normally seen in its multi trunked clumping form.
Sadly, with the possible exception of Sabal Minor and Rhapidophyllum Hystrix, which are popular because of their hardiness, clump forming palms just don’t seem to cut the mustard with palm fans.
This I think is a great pity because planted in a suitable position and given some room to develop; C.Humilis is a magnificent garden palm.
In recent years, C.Humilis has been joined by a little brother, which despite being another clumping palm is growing in popularity.
C.h. v cerifera is its name and as soon as you see one, the reason for its growing number of admirers becomes clear. Blue leaves!
If there’s one thing that a palm enthusiast likes as much as, if not more than, a single trunk palm, it's a palm with blue leaves.
Even more recently, another form of C.Humilis has been found, this time called C.h.v volcano.
Although I don't grow this palm, those that I've seen for sale have all been of the multi trunked clumping type.
The leaves on C.h. v volcano, seem to be smaller, stiffer and more upright than those of the "normal" C.Humilis.
This, gives the palm a much "tighter" effect, in some I've seen, almost a ball shape.
All these palms are native to the Mediterranean region including North Africa.
C.Humilis has the widest distribution, being common throughout the Western Mediterranean.
C.h. v cerifera, comes from high up in the Atlas Mountains where it's subjected to snow and frost, as is C.humilis on occasions.
For my way of planting out palms, see my blog: palms!!! planting out your treasures.
All Chamaerops make good pot/tub plants but for me, the slower growth of C.h.cerifera makes it the best of the lot.
C.humilis is o.k. for a few years but as it grows ever larger, moving and especially repotting it can be a bit of a problem.
Also, don't forget that these palms grow out, as much as up and C.humilis can become very top heavy.
For potting, I use a well drained mix of J.I.no 3, well rotted manure, charcoal pieces and dust, gravel/perlite and long life fertilizer granules.
Err on the side of fast drainage, remember, stagnant water hanging about the roots provides ideal conditions for root rots.
Siting: Although I've read that Chamaerops do well grown in shade, mine are planted in full Sun.
The reason for this, is that when I've seen them growing in the wild, they've always been growing in open, sunny situations and I see no reason to plant mine differently.
Problems: I've never had any trouble with insect pests, not even Red Spider Mite or from my resident population of Vine Weevils.
I've found that Chamaerops generaly are pretty weatherproof palms.
Mine have been battered by winds, snowed on and frozen and they've come through it all admirably.
There is one problem though, freezing north and easterly winds.
These can burn the tips of the leaves causing them to turn brown and they can also encourage fungal growth, which usually take the form of yellow edged rusty brown spots.
You can protect your palm somewhat, by planting it in a sheltered situation, by covering it with fleece (tricky when larger) or by spraying with a fungicide.
Personaly, I don't bother, I'm happy with my palms, they're growing well and they look good to me.
Fertilizing: Although many plants are happy with a balanced fertilizer, palms have special requirements.
They tend to suffer from a shortage of magnesium and certain trace elements.
If your new to palm growing, I'd suggest that you read the article here: Fertilizing palms by N.Kembrey. and use a "palm special" fertilizer.
Another company which sells suitable fertilizer can be found here: http://www.thepalmcentre.co.uk/
Here's a good one: Germinating and growing palms from seed. by N.Kembery.
Posted by: Mike.