Livistona chinensis
 
Common Names Chinese Fan Palm, Fountain Palm
 
Zones 9b–11
 
A widely cultivated fan palm native to southern China, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands, Livistona chinensis is prized for its graceful, drooping leaf tips and robust adaptability. Its fountain-like crown and tolerance for a range of conditions make it one of the most popular Livistona species in landscaping. Though slow-growing, it eventually forms a tall, solitary trunk and is suitable for both tropical and warm temperate gardens.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; slow-growing
Height: 30–50 ft (9–15 m); trunk diameter ~12 in (30 cm)
Trunk: Smooth; gray-brown; petiole stubs fall away cleanly
Leaves: Costapalmate; 3–6 ft (90–180 cm) wide; divided into long, pendulous segments; emerald green
Petioles: Stiff; armed with sharp brown spines up to 1 in (2.5 cm)
Inflorescence: Hidden among leaves; up to 6 ft (180 cm) long; creamy flowers
Fruit: Abundant; dark blue to gray-blue; round
Ecology: Native to coastal forests and sandy soils; naturalized in Florida, Bermuda, Hawaii, and parts of the Caribbean2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade (young plants prefer filtered light)
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained; tolerates sand and limestone
Temperature: Hardy to ~22°F (–6°C); leaves may be damaged below 20°F (–7°C)
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: By seed; germinates in 2–4 months
Tolerance: Fair salt tolerance; wind-resistant; invasive in some regions
 
Landscape Use Ideal for public gardens, poolside plantings, and large containers. Pairs well with Phoenix roebelenii, Sabal minor, and Cycas revoluta.