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Trachycarpus fortunei
Chusan Palm, Windmill Palm
From: £49.95
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.
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.
Visit Us for More Choices
While our website showcases a selection of our exotic and hardy plants, many more unique species and sizes are available exclusively at our nursery. Discover the full extent of our diverse collection by visiting The Palm Centre.
Experience the beauty and variety of our plants in person and find the perfect addition to your garden that you won’t find online.
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When it comes to cold damaged palms, the old adage is true: prevention is better than cure! If at all possible, protect palms from freezing temperatures in the first place with horticultural fleece. That said, if you have a palm that has suffered with cold damage, keep reading to find out what you can do to give it the best chance of recovery and survival.
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Loads of fronds damaged/bent on arrival. Seems to have been wrapped poorly and/or bent on transport. No tracking available which is poor for high cost of delivery
Palm Centre reply: Dear customer, we’re sorry you were not satisfied with the delivery service. The leaves of the T.fortunei naturally bend as a protection mechanism of the plant against winds. This does not affect the health of the plant in any way. As for the delivery, unfortunately, for larger plants like the one you purchased, we need to use pallet couriers that do not provide live tracking. We are working towards improving this situation. Thank you for your feedback.
Dervis Kemal (verified owner) –
Ordered my 180/200 cm Trachy at the sale price. When it arrived I was amazed at the size and quality of it. Wish I had room for more. Delivery, although quite pricey, was made by a very helpful driver and in very good time. Thankyou.
Brian E. (verified owner) –
Just received a pallet of trachycarpus fortunai. Excellent quality.
Ben (verified owner) –
Healthy looking and well-packaged plant arrived on time thank you. Let’s hope my tender loving care from now on persuades it to grow into a spectacular palm to rival my neighbours -which I envy each time I step outside my front door.
Ce W. –