Chinese Fan Palm

Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis) is the palm to plant when you want a formal, symmetrical crown rather than a feathery one. It reaches about 8m tall and 4m wide over a long life, but it is genuinely slow, holding at 3m to 4m for the first ten to fifteen years. The circular fronds droop at the tips into a soft weeping skirt, and the non invasive roots let it sit close to paving and pool coping.

Why you'll love it

• Roots that stay put. Non invasive and fibrous, one of the safest palms beside a pool shell, path or retaining wall.
• Slow growth is a feature. It holds its scale for well over a decade, so it will not outgrow a courtyard.
• Clean, sculptural crown. Fronds up to 1.5m across form an even rounded head with weeping tips, giving a formal look with almost no work.
• Coastal and drought tolerant. Salt tolerant, comfortable in humidity and able to ride out dry spells once established.

Where it works best

Poolside planting. The non invasive roots and slow frond shed make it one of the better palms near water, so the skimmer basket is not working overtime.

Pots and courtyards. A container 500mm or wider suits it for many years, and pot culture holds it to about 2.5m to 3m. Water consistently, because potted palms dry out quickly in summer.

Feature planting and coastal gardens. A mature crown throws dappled shade over a seating area, and salt tolerance keeps it green on beachside blocks.

Growing Chinese Fan Palm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade both work, and young plants actually prefer some shade for the first year or two. This is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so cold inland and southern districts will scorch the fronds.

Soil. Well drained soil with organic matter worked through. It is not fussy about type but will not tolerate waterlogging, so raise the planting position on heavy clay.

Water and feed. Water twice weekly through the first two summers, then reduce. A palm specific slow release fertiliser in early spring and mid summer keeps the fronds deep green. Yellowing between the veins means it is short of magnesium.

Pruning. Remove only fully brown fronds, cutting close to the trunk. The leaf stalks carry sharp teeth, so wear gloves and keep it clear of narrow paths.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in three sizes: 200mm in packs of six, a single 300mm pot, and an advanced 110L specimen. The 200mm and 300mm plants arrive as juveniles with a few fronds and no visible trunk, which is normal at that age. The 110L is semi mature with a formed trunk, and the price reflects the years invested in growing it.

Plants travel upright and are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect the first new frond within two to three months in warm weather. This is a slow palm, so buying the size you want is often the better decision. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• An overview of palm varieties for Australian gardens
• Browse every palm we grow
• Plants suited to poolside planting
• Advanced palms for immediate effect

Common questions

How fast does Chinese Fan Palm grow?

Slowly, and that is the honest answer. Expect 3m to 4m in the first ten to fifteen years, and full height only over a much longer period. Buy the largest size you can if you want height now.

Can I plant it next to a pool or paving?

Yes. The root system is fibrous and non invasive, one of the safer palms near a pool shell, paving or a retaining wall. Allow about 2m of clearance for the frond spread.

Will it grow in a pot long term?

It is one of the better palms for containers. Use a pot at least 500mm wide with real drainage, keep water up in summer, and expect it to settle nearer 3m.