Yes, palm trees do grow in England. While they are not native species, certain palms have been successfully cultivated and naturalized in various regions. Their presence challenges the common perception of England as a uniformly cold and temperate country, thriving due to unique meteorological and oceanic influences.
The Climate Factors Allowing Palm Growth
The primary factor enabling palm growth is the moderating effect of the North Atlantic Current, a powerful warm ocean current. This current transports heat from the tropics across the Atlantic, warming the prevailing westerly winds that reach the British Isles. This oceanic influence ensures that winter temperatures, particularly in western and coastal areas, remain relatively mild and avoid prolonged, deep freezes.
Milder winters are crucial because most hardy palms cannot survive sustained freezing temperatures that damage their roots. Palms often benefit from local microclimates created by geographical features, such as being planted close to a south-facing wall or sheltered from cold winds. Proximity to the coast also helps to stabilize temperatures, as the sea loses heat more slowly than land, providing a natural buffer against cold snaps.
Common Palm and Palm-Like Species in England
The most frequently seen true palm tree cultivated across England is the Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). This species is known for its exceptional cold tolerance, capable of surviving temperatures as low as -15°C. It is easily recognized by its fibrous, hairy trunk and large, fan-shaped fronds.
Another plant commonly mistaken for a true palm is the Cabbage Palm (Cordyline australis), which belongs to the Asparagus family, not the Arecaceae palm family. This palm-like plant, often called the “Cornish Palm,” is a staple of coastal English gardens and is reasonably hardy. True palms like the Dwarf Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) are also grown. For the mildest coastal regions, the Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis), one of the hardiest feather palms, can be successfully grown, although it is slow-growing.
Geographic Concentration and Notable Locations
The highest concentrations of thriving outdoor palms are found in the southwestern peninsula of England, including Cornwall and Devon. This region experiences the mildest climate conditions in the country due to the pronounced effects of the North Atlantic Current. The Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall, are renowned for their sub-tropical conditions, allowing a wider variety of exotic plants to flourish.
Specific towns along this coastline are noted for their palm-lined promenades, earning them the nickname of the “English Riviera.” Torquay, Devon, is a prime example where palms grace the waterfront, giving the area a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Penzance, Cornwall, is another location where palms are a common sight. Many historic gardens, such as the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens in Dorset, actively cultivate palms, demonstrating successful adaptation to these specific sheltered locations.