#510 Livistona chinensis Common Names: Chinese fan palm, Chinese fountain palm Family: Arecacea/Palmae (palm Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #510 e-mail this page

Description
In my opinion, immature specimens of this fan palm are as attractive as the mature plants. Evidently others share this view. It is becoming common to see young Chinese fan palms used in masses as ground cover in both outdoor landscapes and interiorscapes - especially in shopping malls. A dwarf variety, Livistona chinensis subglobosa, is now available and is being used just for that purpose.

This is not to say that mature specimens are unattractive, just the opposite. The large light green leaves are deeply divided into about 75 segments that droop downward to give a gracefully fountain-like aspect (inspiring its common name Chinese fountain palm). These leaves may grow up to 5' in diameter and form a dense canopy on a solitary brown trunk (bleaching to gray on older specimens) Trunks grow to about 18" in diameter and are wider at the base. This palm is occassionaly seen in Florida, slowly growing to a height of 30 feet. This Livistona can grow to 50 feet in its native habitat but is more commonly seen at heights of from 15 to 25 feet. Flowers are borne on 6' infloresences hidden within the crown and are followed by oval or round seeds that turn blue to blue-gray when ripe.

Location
The Chinese fan palm is native to southern Japan, Taiwan and several islands in the South China Sea. This palm is becoming increasingly popular for use in landscapes in Florida, California and other warm temperate climates.

Culture
Chinese fan palm is not particular about soil. Fertilize twice a year in spring and summer with a good quality slow release fertilizer that contains micro-nutrients.
Light: Likes direct sun and bright situations. Young plants look better when grown in part shade.
Moisture: This palm forms a long tap root and can survive extended periods of drought. Provide adequate moisture for more rapid growth.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9-11. This palm may be hardier than that. I have been growing this palm in Zone 8 for many years. Sheltered under live oak trees, these specimens routinely survive temperatures in the mid twenties with no ill effect. They have survived temperatures as low as 15 degrees which burnt the leaves but they recovered and all are still flourishing! They also seem reistant to the fungus diseases that attacked other "semi-hardy" palms after being cold damaged.
Propagation:By seed. If kept warm they will germinate in about 2 months time.

Usage
Small specimans look great in pots and planters. This is a good palm for small yards. Young palms work great as understory plants - I plant them among camellias and gingers under large live oak trees. They are tough enough to survive hot city conditions and can be used in median plantings and along freeways with limited care.

Features
Readily available, this is an inexpensive and easy to grow palm. This is a good medium size palm that works well in many situations.

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