Phoenix canariensis, a huge palm tree related to the date palm, with spreading, deep green leaves that gracefully arch from its handsome, robust trunk. Drooping clusters of creamy-yellow flowers may occur during a hot summer. The Canary Island date palm, winner of the esteemed RHS Award of Garden Merit, provides a superb evergreen specimen plant for the patio or conservatory. Phoenix canariensis thrives in sheltered gardens in the UK, where it can withstand temperatures as low as –6C. (21F).

Unquestionably magnificent, the Phoenix Palm may reach heights of more than 12 metres in its native Canary Islands. Thankfully, it only rises to a far more reasonable height of 1.5m (5') when constrained inside a container here in the UK. You can instantly conjure up images of a tropical paradise where its enormous leaves flow airily in the sea wind and you can almost hear the sea lapping at the shore by adding this tropical beauty to your patio or yard.