Washingtonia Robusta Palm

Looking for a bold, towering palm that brings exotic drama to any landscape? The Washingtonia robusta, commonly known as the Mexican Fan Palm, is your go-to choice for vertical impact and classic Californian vibes.  

Origin & Overview

Native to northwestern Mexico, the Washingtonia robusta is known for its ultra-tall trunk, large fan-shaped fronds, and fast growth. Though often seen towering over streets in warm regions, this palm adapts surprisingly well to container life, making it a fun and rewarding choice for northern gardeners. 

Quick Facts:

  • Scientific Name: Washingtonia Robusta Palm
  • Common Names: Mexican Fan Palm, Skyduster
  • Family: Arecaceae
  • Hardiness Zones: 9a-11 (outdoor); container-grown in 5-7
  • Height in Container: 6-15 ft (can be pruned or managed)
  • Width: 6-8 ft canopy
  • Cold Tolerance: Can't tolerate freezing - must be overwintered indoors
  • Water Needs: Moderate
  • Light Requirements: Full sun (outdoor), bright indirect (indoor)
  • Maintenance Level: Moderate

Striking Appearance 

This palm is a real showstopper with its towering trunk and fan-like fronds that can span several feet across. Even in a pot, Washingtonia robusta grows tall and dramatic, giving your patio, deck, or front porch an instant tropical feel. When grown in a container, it can be trimmed and managed for size, offering big style without overwhelming the space. 

Flowers & Fruit 

Outdoors in tropical zones, this palm produces cream-colored flowers and small black berries. In Ontario, flowering is rare due to shorter growing seasons—but the foliage alone is well worth the grow. 

Why Grow Washingtonia Robusta in a Container? 

Top 10 Benefits: 

  1. Tropical Wow Factor - Tall dramatic foliage that turns heads. 
  2. Container Friendly - Grows beautifully in large pots with proper care. 
  3. Cold Workaround - Overwinters indoors, safe from Ontario winters.
  4. Low Water Needs - Very drought-tolerant once established
  5. Fast Growth - Gains height quickly with sun and warmth.
  6. Architectural Look - Elegant trunk and fan-shaped leaves.
  7. Long-Lived - Can thrive for years in pots with basic care. 
  8. Easy to Relocate - Wheels on pots make seasonal moving manageable.
  9. Minimal Pests - Few issues when grown in pots. 
  10. Patio Centerpiece - Perfect for decks, poolsides, and sunrooms.

Planting & Care Tips (Ontario Edition) 

Potting Mix: Use a well-draining palm or cactus mix with perlite or sand to prevent root rot. Ensure pot has drainage holes. 

Container Size: Start with a 15+ gallon container and upgrade as the palm grows. Choose something sturdy and deep. 

Feeding: Fertilize with a balanced palm fertilizer 2–3 times/year in spring and summer. 

Pruning: Remove brown or broken fronds at the base. Don’t remove green fronds—each one is working for your palm!

Watering Schedule for Washingtonia Robusta (Ontario Zones 5–7, Container-Grown) 

  • 1X/Week. 
  • Keep a regular routine as they require consistent watering.
  • Allow the soil to dry out before you again add water to it.
  • Don't overwater! This will lead to root rot. You can add sufficient water to the soil once it is completely dry. 

Ideal For: 

  • Urban balconies and patios
  • Pool decks and backyard retreats
  • Front porches and entryway accents
  • Indoor sunrooms or atriums during winter
  • Zone 5–7 gardeners looking for a tropical thrill 

Final Thoughts 

Just because you live in Ontario doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the majesty of palm trees. The Washingtonia robusta, with its towering fronds and classic fan shape, brings bold tropical style to even the coldest zones—as long as you're willing to pot it up and roll it indoors for the winter. 

With a little seasonal TLC, you’ll have a conversation-starting palm that grows bigger and better every year.