Comparing Pygmy Date Palm varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Pygmy Date Palm family and have some observations to share. long-lived structure that becomes more impressive over decades varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — feeding with a palm-specific slow-release fertiliser in spring applies across all of them.

slow recovery from transplant shock when moved as large specimens affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a poolside or coastal garden planting which works well for most varieties. cold weather protection needed in winter for tender varieties is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.