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Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm

Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm

Evergreen · Full Sun

Mature size: 20m–30m high × 3m–5m wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun
  • Mature height20m–30m
  • Mature width3m–5m
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Flowers

Most loved for its tall, slender trunk and large, fan-shaped fronds, giving an instantly tropical and resort-style feel to landscapes.

Regular price $220.00
Sale price $220.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire$220.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire$410.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire$1,490.00
150LApprox. height: Enquire$2,040.00
300LApprox. height: Enquire$3,250.00
400LApprox. height: Enquire$4,880.00
2000LApprox. height: Enquire$12,200.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Washingtonia robusta

    Washingtonia robusta, the Mexican Fan Palm, is a tall single trunked palm with a slim, slightly tapering stem and a crown of large fan shaped fronds. Old leaf bases pattern the trunk as it lifts, and sprays of small cream flowers hang out of the crown in spring and summer.

    Mature palms reach 20 to 30 metres with a crown spread of 3 to 5 metres, growing 60 centimetres to 1 metre a year in warm conditions. Full sun and free draining soil are what it asks for. Salt, wind and drought are no trouble once established, and light frost is tolerated.

    It suits coastal resorts, civic plazas, avenue plantings and large gardens where height and a strong vertical line are the point. Space palms 3 to 4 metres apart in rows. Maintenance comes down to removing spent fronds, which calls for access equipment once the crown is well overhead.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Mexican Fan Palm

    What is a Mexican Fan Palm?

    Washingtonia robusta is a tall single trunked palm from north western Mexico, grown for its slim tapering trunk and crown of large fan shaped fronds. Old leaf bases pattern the trunk as it lifts, and sprays of small cream flowers hang out of the crown through spring and summer.

    How tall does a Mexican Fan Palm grow?

    Mature palms reach 20 to 30 metres with a crown spread of 3 to 5 metres. That height takes decades, and in cooler southern districts they usually stop well short of it. The narrow crown means the ground footprint stays small even when the palm is very tall.

    How fast does a Mexican Fan Palm grow?

    Fast for a palm, about 60 centimetres to 1 metre of trunk a year in warm conditions with sun and water. Growth slows markedly in cool climates and on dry unirrigated sites. It remains one of the quickest ways to get genuine height into a newly built landscape.

    Where does a Mexican Fan Palm grow best in Australia?

    It thrives in warm temperate, subtropical, coastal and Mediterranean regions, so Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and the coastal strip between them, along with inland areas that get hot dry summers. Arid conditions are handled once established. Growth is slow and less reliable in cold highland districts.

    Is a Mexican Fan Palm frost tolerant?

    It handles light to moderate frost once established, which covers most temperate Australian gardens. Young palms are more vulnerable, so protect the crown through the first couple of winters in frost prone areas. Repeated heavy frost will scorch the fronds and slow growth without usually killing the palm outright.

    Can a Mexican Fan Palm grow in a pot?

    It can while it is young, in a large container with a free draining mix, and it is often used that way for entries and courtyards. It will not stay a container plant permanently, since the trunk keeps climbing and the root system outgrows any practical pot within several years.

    How do I care for a Mexican Fan Palm?

    Water regularly through the first two summers, after which it is largely self sufficient. Feed with a palm fertiliser in spring. The ongoing job is removing spent fronds and old flower stalks, which becomes an access equipment task once the crown is high. Never cut into the growing point.

    Key growing information
    Mature height20m to 30m
    Mature width3m to 5m
    PositionFull Sun
    Growth per year60cm to 100cm per year (fast)
    FrostFrost Tolerant
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    FormUpright
    UsesFeature Tree · Avenue Planting · Council or Civic Landscapes
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Upright
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Avenue Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    20m to 30m
    Mature width
    3m to 5m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (fast).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm in Different Soil

    Washingtonia robusta performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Avenue Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm works in an:

    • Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
    • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 20m to 30m

    Mature Width: 3m to 5m

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (fast).

    Growth Rate of Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm is expected to grow 60cm to 100cm per year (fast).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm

    Is Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm frost tolerant?

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm Flower?

    Washingtonia robusta produces long sprays of small, creamy-white flowers during the warmer months. While not highly ornamental, these blooms are followed by small dark fruits and are secondary to the palm’s dramatic height, slender trunk and iconic fan-shaped foliage.

    Does Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    • Clustered

    Flower Colour:

    Cream

    Is Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm is Native to Northwestern Mexico, particularly the Baja California Peninsula and Sonora, where it grows naturally in desert oases and valleys.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm ?

    Its tall trunk and broad fan-shaped canopy provide roosting and perching opportunities for birds, particularly in urban and coastal landscapes. While not a major nectar source, the structure of the palm contributes to habitat value by offering shelter and vertical interest within the garden ecosystem.

    How much Sunlight does Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm need?

    Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Washingtonia robusta performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poorer soils provided drainage remains free-flowing. Avoid heavy clay or consistently wet ground unless significantly improved, as excess moisture can stress the root system. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the palm matures.

    Is Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm Drought Tolerant?

    Is Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm Drought tolerant?

    As a young palm it benefits from regular watering to establish a strong root system, particularly during warm weather. Once established, Washingtonia robusta shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through extended dry periods, making it well suited to low-water and exposed sites.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How tall does Washingtonia robusta grow?
    A: Mature palms typically reach 20–30 metres tall with a 3–5 metre spread.

    Q: Is it drought tolerant?
    A: Yes, once established it’s highly drought tolerant and well-suited to dry climates.

    Q: Can it grow near the coast?
    A: Yes, it performs exceptionally well in coastal and exposed conditions.

    Q: Does it require much maintenance?
    A: Very little—just remove old fronds periodically to maintain a clean trunk.

    Compare sizes side by side

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    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Washingtonia robusta is loved for its tall, slender trunk and large, fan-shaped fronds, giving an instantly tropical and resort-style feel to landscapes.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Washingtonia robusta – Mexican Fan Palm With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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