Soaring up to 100 feet into the blue Florida sky, the Medjool palm is truly a spectacular sight. Also known as a “true” date palm, the Medjool lends a hint of Mediterranean mystery to both inland and seaside homes.
Naturally a multi-trunked palm, the suckers of the Medjool are usually removed to form a single-trunked tree. The thick gray column is deeply etched with diamond-like leaf scars. The crown is formed of a series of upright fronds that fan attractively and can grow as long as 20 feet in length. The foliage is an eye-catching bluish-gray. The dates appear on long stalks that grow beneath the leaves and are yellow to red in color.
Medjool palm grows slowly in any average soil and prefers bright, direct sun. Although they are drought resistant once established, they grow more quickly and have better color with regular, deep watering. Prune away new suckers to create a strong, central trunk that is visually appealing. Treat Medjool palms with fungicides to prevent leaf spot.
This architectural palm is popular in both residential and commercial plantings. Its bright coloring and exotic shape make it a favorite landscape element. Plant the Medjool palm in rows as a street tree or to line driveways. Clustered in groups of two or three and lit from below, the Medjool creates a stunning and romantic nighttime display.
