Trachycarpus fortunei - Chusan or windmill palm

Native to China where winters can be severe and very cold, this is the most well known and most common palm for the cooler climate. It was brought to Europe over 150 years ago it has since become a regular feature of Europes parks and gardens.  Trachycarpus fortunei can withstand severe cold; mature palms have been known to recover from temperatures as low as -18C. However, its elegance belies its ruggedness; it is one of the most attractive palm fan palms.

This palm prefers cooler, temperate areas, and struggles in the tropics. It is not fussy , is easy to grow and adapts well to most situations, providing the soil is not prone to waterlogging. Initially quite slow, once it reaches trunking size growth is quite rapid, capable of growing up to 0.5 metre of trunk per year. The palm dislikes wind and should be planted in a wind free part of the garden or it will look untidy. If the garden does not have shelter from wind we strongly recommend Trachycarpus wagnerianus as an alternative.

Together with Trachycarpus wagnerianus this is the easiest and most trouble free palm suited to our climate

Hardiness	Protect below -13°c
Watering	Water moderately
Sun	Light shadow / sun
Comes from	Himalaya, W. China