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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Beautiful palm, healthy and happy in its new position. Great service too, thanks Palm centre
sue –
Im really pleased with this palm. I bought this as a gift for someone living away and it was delivered less than 24 hours after I made the order. It arrived well packaged and the tree itself is beautiful.
Stephanie –
Outstanding palm for the price. Bought the 18l reduced palm and local garden centres are twice the price for same size. Fast delivery and very well packaged. Im so impressed with the quality and service Im looking for an excuse to buy another.
jonathan howe –
Bought a 15L one early Jan, looked miserable in the porch for the first few days so decided to plant it 5 days after delivery in the garden. Looks much happier, has some damaged leaves but mainly because the week of planting, gale force winds hit the country. Since it has survived heavy rains, sub zero temperatures and still going strong. Some leaves looked scorched but I new ones to flourish in the spring. Came in decent condition and fast delivery. I am looking to buy a Waggy soon and another Fortunei.
Sharm –