Canary Island date palm

At 85 cm, this Phoenix canariensis is already a genuinely commanding specimen. The long, arching pinnate fronds spread wide from a thickening central stem, creating that unmistakable tropical silhouette that brings immediate warmth and architectural authority to any space. This is not a background plant — it is the centrepiece.

An 85 cm Canary Island Date Palm has real presence. The fronds are longer and more fully developed at this size, creating a more complete, lush canopy of deep green feathery foliage that arches and moves beautifully in any air movement. The central growing point is well established, and the beginning of the characteristic rough, fibrous trunk texture is visible at the base — a sign of a plant with genuine age and substance. In a large conservatory, a bright open-plan living space, or on a south-facing patio in summer, this palm immediately becomes the focal point of the room or garden.

At 85 cm this is a substantial, well-established young palm that will continue to grow steadily year on year. The fronds will lengthen, the trunk will thicken and develop its distinctive appearance, and the overall impression will become increasingly impressive over time. Position in a location where it has room to develop — a large floor space indoors, or a generous, open patio area outdoors. In mild, sheltered UK gardens it can be grown outdoors year-round with frost protection.

Maximum light is essential for a palm of this size. Outdoors, position in full sun in the most sheltered, warmest spot available. Indoors, place near the largest south-facing windows and ensure the fronds are never touching cold glass in winter. The more light it receives, the more vigorously it will grow and the more impressive the fronds will become. Protect from heavy frost; in colder areas bring under cover or wrap the crown with horticultural fleece from November to March.

Water generously during summer growth, but allow the compost to partially dry between waterings — Phoenix canariensis is drought tolerant and far more vulnerable to overwatering than underwatering. Use a free-draining palm mix. Feed monthly from spring to early autumn with a specialist palm fertiliser. Remove dead fronds cleanly at the base to maintain appearance and plant health. At this size, repotting every two to three years into a larger container keeps growth healthy.

Bringing an 85 cm Canary Island Date Palm into a space is an immediate transformation. The scale, the movement of the fronds, the warm tropical associations — it changes how a room or garden feels in a way that smaller plants simply cannot replicate. For anyone who wants to make a genuine statement with a single plant purchase, this is the one.

• Instant Impact: At 85 cm, it already commands the room or patio from the moment it arrives.
• Air Purifying: One of the few large ornamental plants known to help improve indoor air quality.
• Pet Friendly: Safe for cats and dogs — important for a statement plant in a family home.
• A Plant That Keeps Getting Better: Grows in presence and character year after year.
• Indoors and Outdoors: Thrives in bright conservatories and sheltered, sunny garden spaces.

If you are going to do a palm, do it properly. The 85 cm Phoenix canariensis is the one for spaces that deserve a statement. Sunny spot, good drainage, and this palm will do the rest.

Size at dispatch: 85 cm in height, and comes in a 19 cm pot
Care level: Medium
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs. We still recommend discouraging pets from eating any plant.