I'm not Delonix1, but I think I know this one. It's a Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta), hardy down to about -6º C, and the more sun and heat, the better. We grow a lot of them around here as landscape trees to 30 meters tall--probably not that big in the UK!

Nominated for GoYpedia Palm Trees.

Thank-you very much Tugbrethil I should be OK if I protect it a bit then, and thank-you Terratoonie for the nomination, Roy.

Hi Roy ... it's a useful question and answer
... will help other people too :o)

It is not getting enough light, hence the fronds are elongated, it will benefit being fleeced in frosts and being out of the wind.

Thank-you Kildermorie I'll do that and probably build it a little windbreak ,Roy.

Roy:

Yes, this looks very much like Washingtonia robusta (or filifera). It's very difficult to tell the difference between the two when they're very young. Let's hope it's W. robusta, because it would grow much better in the UK. W. filifera (California Fan Palm) is a little hardier; however, will not tolerate cold, wet soil very at all (like in the UK).

If it's W. robusta, most likely it would only grow to 15' (4.6m) or so, in the UK. This is dependent on how cold it gets in your area. Young trees can be killed if temps go below -7ºC (20ºF) or sometimes higher temps. The fronds can be damaged at much higher temps.

Here in San Diego, CA. this tree grows wild everywhere. It grows extremely fast and can attain a height of more than 100' (31m) tall.

Thank-you Delonix1 very informative, we're in Somerset so we don't usually get the really cold weather and its in a fairly sheltered spot, I'm going to protect it with something . What do you suggest as in the past I've tried different things on other plants without success, they've always died off ? due to lack of air or light and going mouldy, thanks Roy.

I would suggest to cover it only when you have very cold temps. For example, if the temps drop below 25ºF (-3.8ºC). It's actually best to keep it open so it gets good air circulation. This will prevent mold from developing on the fronds. Is this area facing south? The best locations for marginal plants (in the northern hemisphere) is on the south side of a house. This traps maximum sun and heat.

What's the coldest temperature you experience every year in winter?

We've had temperatures down to -5 but not too often it is sheltered from the cold winds but the last 2 winters I've put it in the greenhouse, but as its getting bigger its not as easy. So would it be best to protect the base say with some hessian ? Roy.

I chose W. robusta because of the color and shape of the fronds, and the moderate quantity of threads around the frond margins. W. filifera usually has rounder fronds (when young) that are a slightly grayer shade of green, and with many more threads. The full truth is likely to be that it is a hybrid between the two species, which is common wherever both are in cultivation, but I think that this one will more closely resemble the robusta.

Thank-you very much Tugbrethil that is sound advise and I'll treat it as a W.robusta cheers.

Roythefoot:

Yes, hessian should do the trick.

I do think this palm is W. robusta. Typically, W. robusta has redder petioles. You will know for sure when it get larger.

Thank-you Delonix1 hope our winter won't be too bad, I will do that with the hessian.

You're very welcome! :>)

I'm sure your palm will grow very fast and healthy. It's typically an extremely fast growing palm, putting on several dozens of fronds a year in my climate.

Thank-you Delonix1 probably not as quick in our climate.

Most likely it won't grow quite as quickly in your climate. They do love water and you receive a lot more rain than we do here in San Diego...so it should grow pretty fast.

I don't think I'll see it as a large tree, but if I can keep it going it would be something. Thank-you for your comment Delonix1.

You're very welcome. :>)