Phoenix roebelenii
Pygmy Date Palms, also known as Robellini Palms or Dwarf Date Palms, are showstoppers in landscape design. They are exotic and unique, bringing an instant tropical refined look to any backyard, pool, patio, or balcony. Pygmy Date Palms are a striking specimen accent palm. Originally from China, their popularity is due to them being a shorter yet fuller species that add something special to any tropical landscape.
Physical Characteristics
Pygmy Date Palms are considered a short variety by palm standards, growing to a maximum of 6 to 12 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet. They have deep green, willowy, feathery fronds that grow to a maximum length of 3 to 4 feet, forming a dense evergreen canopy that can house as many as thirty to fifty leaves. What makes the Pygmy Date Palm so attractive are not only the fronds, but the trunks as well. Their deep brown, textured trunks have a diameter of 3 to 6 inches. These trunks can grow straight or crooked, depending on how the palm is placed in relation to the sun because they tend to curve toward the light. In spring, cream-colored flowers grow into small dates.
Uses in the Landscape
The Pygmy Date Palm is beautiful as an indoor palm, on the side of the patio, or on a balcony- and will look full and lush without getting too thin and tall. They commonly come in a pot as a set of three, and look as if they are a single plant with three stems. Each stem is an individual plant, but they are placed in groups of three to appear even fuller. They are great as the central focal element in front yards, and also make impressive additions on either side of the front door, marking the entrance. At Atlanta Palms, we offer this very short but full triple-stem variety of Pygmy Date Palms, as well as smaller table top sizes.
Pygmy Date Palms Cold Tolerance
Pygmy Date Palms thrive in grow zones 10-11. However, they can also thrive in colder grow zones, but they should be regarded as seasonal palms. In Atlanta, Pygmy Date Palms are a great addition to the landscape for the warmer months. Pygmy Date Palms bring a striking tropical splendor and exotic green lushness to spaces. These gorgeous palms are great to include when staging a special event for business or at home. They are part of our pool palms selection. Pool Palms are easy to place inside planters and are affordable seasonal palms that create an instant tropical atmosphere.
Where Do I Plant the Pygmy Date Palm?
The great thing about Pygmy Date Palms sold from Atlanta Palms is you don't even need to plant them! You can leave them in the container they came in and place them anywhere in the landscape. You can even move them from one place to another, including indoors for the winter, where they also thrive.
Pygmy Date Palms recreate the relaxing feeling of being at a tropical island retreat. They make beautiful specimens as stand-alone palms, or when planted in groups to create an even fuller, lusher, tropical feel. Wherever you decide to use a Pygmy Date Palm, you can’t go wrong using this elegant and beautiful palm.
Basic Care Conditions for the Pygmy Date Palm
The Pygmy Date Palm is best when watered once every 2 or 3 days or when the top 3 or 4 inches of soil become dry. When indoors, it needs to be watered less frequently, although you should mist the fronds occasionally to keep them fresh and green. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade, but will tolerate some full sun. You need to prune away dead or yellowed/browning fronds. You should always use gloves when handling as these palms have prickly thorns at the base.
Buy or rent a Pygmy Date Palm
Whether you are interested in buying a Pygmy Date Palm for the season or renting it for a short period of time, Atlanta Palms sells and rents Pygmy Date Palms.
