Trachycarpus fortunei – The Windmill Palm

 

The Trachycarpus fortunei, also known as the Windmill Palm or Chusan Palm, is one of the most cold-hardy palms in the world. With its fan-shaped leaves and fibrous trunk, this palm adds a tropical touch to gardens far beyond the Mediterranean. It stays evergreen throughout the year and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

 

Origin & History

This palm is native to the mountainous regions of China, Japan, Myanmar, and the Himalayas. It was introduced to Europe in the 19th century, where it quickly gained popularity as a hardy ornamental palm capable of surviving frost and even snow.

Botanical Specifications

  • Botanical name: Trachycarpus fortunei

  • Common names: Windmill Palm, Chusan Palm

  • Type: Evergreen palm with a single trunk

  • Growth rate: 15–30 cm (6–12 in) per year in good conditions

  • Mature height: 10–12 m (30–40 ft)

  • Spread: 2–3 m (6–10 ft) crown width

  • Leaf type: Fan-shaped leaves up to 1 m (3 ft) wide

  • Cold hardiness: Down to −15 °C to −18 °C (5 °F to 0 °F)

  • Lifespan: Can live for many decades with proper care

 

 

Care & Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun to partial shade. Best foliage colour in bright light.
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil, tolerates clay if not waterlogged.
Watering: Keep moist when young; drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced palm fertilizer in spring and summer.
Pruning: Remove old brown fronds as needed, avoid cutting near the crown.
Winter tips: Protect young palms in severe frost with fleece or mulch.

Benefits & Uses

  • Very cold-hardy for a palm

  • Evergreen architectural look all year

  • Low maintenance once established

  • Works well in urban gardens, coastal areas, and patios

  • Ideal for large containers, terraces, and balconies

 

 

Landscape Inspiration

The Windmill Palm can be used in many ways:

  • As a garden centerpiece or focal point

  • In rows along driveways and paths for a formal look

  • In large pots on terraces or balconies

  • Combined with exotic-looking plants like bananas, cordylines, or ornamental grasses

Common Problems & Solutions

 

  • Yellowing leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage → improve soil aeration.

  • Frost damage (young palms): Protect the crown with fleece during extreme cold.

  • Pests (rare): Occasionally affected by scale insects or spider mites → treat with horticultural oil.


 

Availability & Sizes

We offer Trachycarpus fortunei palms in different sizes:

0 - 10 cm

10 - 30 cm

30 - 50 cm

50 - 75 cm

75 - 100 cm

100 - 150 cm




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