LIVISTONA

These slow-growing fan palms somewhat resemble Washingtonia but generally have shorter, darker, shinier leaves. They are generally hardy to about 22F. All make good potted plants.

australian fan palm

livistona australis

• From coastal forest of eastern Australia.
• To 4050 feet tall, 15 feet wide.
• Trunk is clean and slender, marked with interesting-looking leaf scars.
• Dark green, 3- to 5 feet-wide leaves.

chinese fan palm, chinese fountain palm

livistona chinensis

• Zones LS, CS, TS; USDA 8-11.
• From Japan, Taiwan.
• Very slow growing; eventually reaches 40 feet tall, 15 feet wide.
• Roundish, bright green, 3- to 6 feet-wide leaves droop strongly at outer edges.
• Hardy to about 15F.

weeping fan palm

livistona decipiens

• From northeastern Australia.
• To 3040 feet tall and 15 feet wide in 20 years.
• Stiff, open head of leaves that are green on top, bluish beneath, 25 feet across; leaves are carried on long, spiny stems.

bronze fan palm

livistona mariae

• From hot, dry, interior Australia.
• To 1015 feet tall and 15 feet wide after many years (ultimately may reach 80 or even 100 feet tall, 25 feet wide).
• Leaves 34 feet wide.
• Young plants and those grown in containers have attractive reddish leaves and leaf stems.
• Little to moderate water.