Trachycarpus fortunei
Chusan Palm, Windmill Palm
From: £24.95
Certainly one of our favourite palms, Trachycarpus fortunei has become so beloved because of how well it thrives in the cooler temperate climates of UK gardens.
The Windmill Palm is an exceptionally hardy evergreen tree that forms a single hairy trunk and attractive large palmate leaves, which form an impressive crown as it grows. In summer it produces drooping panicles of yellowish flowers which add to its exotic appearance.
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Plant Biography
Native to South Central China, these palms grow in a range of environments – from exposed wooded hillsides to forests where young plants live in low light conditions until they mature. It’s from these variable roots that the Chusan Palm is hardy enough to thrive in our climate.
As well as its common names, you may hear them often referred to as ‘Trachys’ for short. This part of its name comes from the Greek word ‘trachys’, which means rough, referring to the fibrous trunk. Together with the Greek word ‘karpos’, meaning fruit, and the species named to honour Scottish horticulturist Robert Fortune – and you have Trachycarpus fortunei.
This is a perfect palm to bring a classical tropical appearance to any UK garden with a hardy palm that can survive in a range of lighting conditions, and stays attractive all year round. They work well as individual specimens or in small groups, can frame an entrance or doorway, or even kept in a large container.
Expert Tip
Care & Size Guidance
Trachycarpus fortunei performs best in part shade, but it is still happy with full sun. Planted in full sun in the ground and Trachys will grow very fast, whilst in a pot in the shade they will grow very slowly. The most important consideration is to try and choose a location for it that is protected from winter winds.
Of all the arborescent (trunked) palms, T. fortunei has the best winter hardiness, with mature plants surviving down to -12C.
When happy, this palm grows 30 centimetres or more of trunk per season.
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I bought two of these fifteen years ago for two separate gardens both have survived the harshest of winters in Newcastle(cold).You dont see many stunning palm trees growing quite happy especially on the North East coast.
Richard Muir –
This is a great palm for UK gardens. I bought several from the Palm Centre 20 years ago. They are huge now – they grew surprisingly fast even in poor, free-draining soil. They have shrugged off the harsh winters with no problem at all. They look very good, although if Im being very fussy Id have to say the leaves always look a little wind-battered (if you live in a windy area, consider Trachycarpus wagnerianus – I have those too, and they look smarter, although not as tall).
Gary Parker –
Fantastic palm . have bought from the palm centre before they have always been very knowledgeable and given advise freely . great value too 5 stars .
simon greenwood –
I am very happy with this palm. It is beautiful and so far it has been easy to look after. I purchased one in an 18 litre pot. I would have bought a larger size if I could afford it, but the size I got works really well.
Andrew Babbage –