WASHINGTONIA ROBUSTA in 35 litre pot. GT2. Measurements 2 metres 50cm not including pot. Extra tall specimen for immediate impact. Trunk height 105cm.
The Washingtonia Robusta is a stylish and elegant palm. A tall palm tree with a slim trunk which becomes wider towards the bottom.
Washingtonia Robusta – The Mexican Fan Palm
Add a touch of the tropics to your garden with the Washingtonia Robusta, also known as the Mexican Fan Palm. This striking palm is admired for its tall, slender trunk and large, fan-shaped fronds that create a dramatic, architectural statement. With the right care, it thrives in the UK, bringing a Mediterranean feel to patios, gardens, and urban landscapes.
Hardiness & UK Care
• Hardiness: While Washingtonia Robusta is more cold-sensitive than its relative, Washingtonia Filifera, it can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C once established. In colder areas, winter protection is advised.
• Position: Prefers a sunny, sheltered spot—ideal against a south-facing wall or in a courtyard garden.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage works best.
• Watering: Moderate watering in the growing season; reduce in winter. Protect from excessive winter wet.
• Feeding: A high-nitrogen feed in spring and summer will encourage healthy, lush fronds.
Washingtonia Robusta -Companion Plants
Pair Washingtonia Robusta with other Mediterranean and exotic plants for a lush, tropical look:
• Olive Trees (Olea europaea): Complementary in shape and hardy in the UK.
• Trachycarpus Fortunei (Chusan Palm): A cold-hardy palm that enhances the tropical theme.
• Cordyline Australis (Cabbage Palm): Adds spiky texture and height variation.
• Phormium (New Zealand Flax): Provides vibrant foliage contrast.
• Agapanthus (African Lily): Blue or white flowers bring seasonal colour.
Perfect for container planting or as a focal point in a sheltered garden, Washingtonia Robusta adds an effortlessly exotic feel to UK gardens. Protect young palms in winter, and you’ll enjoy this stunning palm for years to come.
Washingtonia robusta, the Skyduster Palm, is a fast-growing palm from the USA with a thick reddish brown trunk topped by large palmate dark green leaves. A common sight in the Mediterranean where it is planted widely along pavements and promenades to dramatic effect. Washingtonia palms are incredibly tolerant of disturbance with fully grown plants often coping with being dug up and relocated seemingly without apparent stress.
In cold winters Washingtonia can easily be protected by wrapping the trunk and leaves with hessian or fleece. They are tolerant of remaining like this for several months if need be. One characteristic of this palm is its rapid growth, able to regenerate from winter cold and wind damage rapidly once the weather improves.
If you wish to grow in a container please repot regularly and feed at least once a fortnight during the growing period never letting the compost dry out. They may be desert palms in the U.S.A but are always found near underground water where their roots can tap into the moisture.
So in essence a fast growing easy to care for palm that can be very rewarding to grow especially if you are an impatient gardener that is not terribly hardy but worth a try if you have a mild garden.
Browse our selection of Palms here.
