Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ

Is Washingtonia robusta poisonous to dogs or cats?

No, this palm tree can be placed in a place with animals just fine. However, this palm does get thorns, so animals should not jump on it, etc.

How fast does the Washingtonia robusta grow?

The rate of growth of the Washingtonia robusta depends on its size and age, or the sap stage, but at its peak it grows up to a metre a year! This does require optimal conditions.

How hardy is the Washingtonia robusta?

The Washingtonia robusta is hardy to -5 degrees Celsius. We recommend bringing the palm tree inside when it starts to freeze. Freezing temperatures with wind are disastrous for the Washingtonia.

How should I look after my Washingtonia robusta?

You can find all about caring for the robusta in our comprehensive encyclopedia article

How long does a Washingtonia robusta live?

The expected age of a Washingtonia robusta is higher than 500 years! So you can buy a robusta without any problem, because it will age older than we ourselves.

The Washingtonia robusta is a great beautiful ornamental palm, also called the desert palm. This palm is found in Africa and the Mediterranean coast. It derives its elegance from its long thin leaves with beautiful threads curling around them. This makes it attractive to almost everyone.

The Washingtonia grows a thick trunk, but is nevertheless not winter hardy. Its stems have small thorns, so be careful when handling this palm, for scratches in your skin or holes in the clothes.

If you would like to keep this palm outside, it can be kept at temperatures up to -5 degrees. Below that, it really gets into trouble.

Also we can't escape it!

The Washingtonia robusta - Desert Palm