Chilean Wine Palm

Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis) is a slow-growing palm native to central Chile. Its massive scarred trunk and long pinnate leaves make it a striking architectural specimen where a warm, sheltered site can accommodate its mature scale. ## Growing Conditions Give this palm full sun and moist, well-drained ground. The Royal Horticultural Society lists chalk, loam, and sand, and says acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils are suitable. It recommends a sheltered, south- or west-facing position; the species is also grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory where outdoor conditions are unsuitable. The RHS describes a mature height above 12 m and spread above 8 m, and notes that the palm can reach 25 m, so allow substantial room. ## Flowers and Fruit Small, dull purple and yellow flowers appear in summer, followed by woody yellow fruit. Kew describes the species as a widely cultivated ornamental palm of warm temperate regions. [RHS growing profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9499/jubaea-chilensis/details) · [Kew species profile](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:131713-2/general-information) ## Maintenance Protect the palm from unsuitable cold and strong exposure; in cooler regions, grow it in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Its very slow growth and eventual size make careful siting important.