Canary Island Date Palm in Perth WA: What You Need to Know

Clusters of ripe dates hang beneath the lush, arching fronds of a towering palm tree

A familiar sight across Perth’s streets and suburban landscapes, the Canary Island date palm—also known as Phoenix canariensis—is as iconic as it is imposing.

While undeniably beautiful, these palms come with both perks and pitfalls.

Whether you’re planting one or planning a removal, here's everything Perth homeowners need to know.

Anatomy of the Canary Island Date Palm in Perth WA

The Canary Island date palm is a slow-growing, single-trunked palm that can reach 15–20 metres in height at full maturity. It’s characterized by:

• Thick, pineapple-like trunk from tightly pruned fronds (often ornamental)

• Long arch-shaped fronds extending up to 4–6 metres

• Dense crown of up to 50–100 leaves

• Produces small orange or yellow fruit, which can fall and litter walkways

Looking up into the robust and textured trunk of a palm tree

Its unique look is the result of careful pruning, often done by professional tree surgeons or arborists in Perth.

Roadside landscaping features a row of strikingly pruned palm trees, resembling pineapples.

Yes, the Canary Island Date Palm  (Phoenix canariensis) does produce flowers.

Flower Characteristics:

A lush cluster of creamy yellow date palm flowers in full bloom, nestled among the vibrant green fronds.

• Color: Creamy white to yellow

• Structure: Small and borne on large, branched inflorescences that emerge from among the leaves near the crown

• Timing: Usually appears in late spring to early summer in climates like Perth, WA

• The species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees

  • Only female trees produce fruit (dates), but both male and female trees flower.

What Comes After:

A lush cluster of vibrant yellow dates hangs from a tall date palm tree.

• On female trees, if pollinated, the flowers develop into clusters of orange-brown dates. While not typically eaten, they can be messy when they fall, attracting pests and requiring cleanup.

  
  

Benefits of Canary Island Date Palms

Towering palm trees sway under a clear blue sky, capturing the essence of a sunny coastal paradise.

There’s a reason these palms are so widely planted across Perth’s coastal suburbs. Some of their advantages include:

• Striking appearance – Adds structure and tropical appeal to gardens

• Drought tolerant – Excellent for Perth’s dry Mediterranean climate

• Low-maintenance once mature

• Wind resistant – Withstands coastal gusts common in WA

They also increase curb appeal and are often used in upmarket landscaping for homes, parks, and verges.

Disadvantages & Risks of Phoenix Canariensis

Despite their beauty, Canary Island date palms in Perth WA come with a few drawbacks that Perth property owners should consider:

• Extremely sharp fronds (can cause injury to pets and people)

• Heavy crown makes removal dangerous and costly

• Dense, fibrous roots – difficult to dig out manually

• Prone to pests like palm weevils and fungal infections

• Fruit drop – attracts pests and creates mess on pavements

Worse still, when palms become overgrown or poorly maintained, they pose a hazard—especially near driveways, footpaths, and power lines.

How to Maintain & Care for Phoenix Canariensis

Proper care of your Canary Island date palm is essential to avoid costly pruning or removal down the line. Here's how to look after it:

• Regular frond pruning: Keep lower fronds trimmed for a neat appearance and safety

• Annual inspections by a certified arborist to check for disease or pest issues

• Avoid overwatering – these palms are drought-tolerant and don't like wet roots

• Stump grinding is recommended if removed, due to the stubborn root ball

• Apply slow-release palm fertilizer during growing season (spring/summer)

Always use professionals for large palms—DIY trimming is risky and often ineffective.

How common is the Canary Island date palm in Perth? And, Council Considerations

The Canary Island date palm is extremely common in Perth, particularly in suburbs like:

• Scarborough

• City Beach

• Fremantle

• Cottesloe

• Joondalup

• Sorrento

  
  

These palms are often planted along verge strips, so check with your local council before removing or modifying one.

Some councils require permits for removal if the tree is over a certain height (usually 8 metres) or has heritage or streetscape value.

Good to know: Small palms (under 3 m) may not require a permit. But tall palms typically will.

The Canary Island date palm is a stunning, drought-hardy tree perfectly suited to Perth’s climate—but only if well maintained.

If you’re dealing with a hazardous palm or planning to plant one, be aware of the maintenance needs, legal responsibilities, and potential removal costs.

Need help with palm pruning or a palm removal? Swift Trees Perth offers expert tree services across WA—from safe lopping to council-compliant removals.

Need a Quote or Expert Advice?

Whether it’s advice on keeping your palm looking sharp or help with getting it removed safely, Swift Trees Perth is here to help.

Reach out today to ask for help with your palm trees. Once we know what you need, here at Swift Trees Perth, we can provide you with an affordable quote to carry out the work needed.

And don’t forget to leave a comment below if you’ve had experience with these iconic WA palms!