Washingtonia filifera

California fan palm,

Washingtonia filifera, also known as the California fan palm, is one of the most widely grown ornamental palms in the world. It is a tall, striking palm characterised by fan-shaped, deeply divided leaves that grow up to 1.8 metres in diameter, featuring silvery-green undersides. Reaching dizzying heights of 15-20 metres, this palm has a sturdy trunk marked by old leaf bases.

Although this species if more cold-hardy than Washingtonia robusta, it needs to be kept very dry during cold spells. It hates being cold and wet. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Washingtonia filifera is drought-tolerant and heat-resistant once established, making it ideal for arid climates. Popular in landscaping, this palm adds a tropical, ornamental touch to gardens, parks, and public spaces, enhancing arid and coastal landscapes with its unique appearance.

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Origin: Southwestern USA and Northwest Mexico

Genus: Washingtonia

Species / Cultivar: filifera

Common Name: California fan palm,

Light: Direct

This plant likes as much sun as possible. Best placed in direct sunlight in a bright window.

Soil: Moist but Well Drained

Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.

Growth Rate: Medium

Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.

Final Size: Tall

Final size will work as a large stand-alone specimen plant.

Water Requirement: Low

Will grow in a drier position and is unlikely to need regular watering once established.

Maintenance: A little

Easy to look after but may occasionally require some attention in order to thrive.

Situation: Full Sun

Wants direct, unfiltered sunlight most of the day, such as a south facing position.

Eventual Height: 12+m

The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.

Eventual Spread: 2.5-4m

The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Hardiness: Hardy

Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.

Habit: Evergreen

Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Care & Size Guidance

Washingtonia filifera can be grown as an indoor plant, or outdoors in milder parts of the United Kingdom. As an houseplant, Washingtonia filifera thrives in bright sunlight and well-drained soil. It prefers moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Fertilise regularly during the growing season. It can grow up to two metres tall indoors, requiring occasional pruning to remove old leaves.

If you are planning on growing it outdoors, it should be grown on undercover for several years until it has started to form a trunk as young plants are less cold tolerant. When ready, pick the sunniest spot available and ensure that the plant has excellent drainage. Although mature plants are very hardy to cold, they cannot tolerate excess moisture. Read our blog entry about winter protection here.

Interesting fact

There are two species of Washingtonia: W. robusta and W. filifera. When grown in proximity to each other, they hybridise easily and the resultant offspring is called Washingtonia 'filibusta'.