Trachycarpus fortunei or Chinese Windmill Palm is probably the most renowned hardy palm to grow in temperate and cold climates.
Its habitat are mountainous regions in Asia where it grows to 2.500 m (8.000′) altitude and is usually covered in snow in the winter.
Imported in Europe for its hardiness and fast growth, it reproduces and spreads spontaneously in the region of Tessino in Switzerland where it is considered an invasive species!
Add to the hardiness its resistance to drought and excess of water, it’s capability to grow either in shade or sun (even if it prefers shade at the base and sun at the top) and his wind resistance… and you have the perfect palm for beginners!
In China the strong fibres collected from the stipe are used for manufacturing brushes, door mats…
Common names:
Chinese Hemp Palm
Chinese Windmill Palm
Chusan Palm
Hemp Palm
Windmill Palm
Synonyms:
Chamaerops excelsa
Chamaerops fortunei
Chamaerops chinensis
Origin:
Mountains of India, China and Japan
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 7, -18 °C (-0.4 °F)
Soil:
Will accommodate to various soils, provided they are well drained
Height:
15 m (50′)
Propagation:
Seed
Sowing:
Very easy
Care:
Very easy
Exposure:
Will grow in any exposure but prefers the base in the shade and the head in the sun, which are the growing conditions in its natural habitat
Germination:
As fast as a couple of days or weeks, if the seeds are very fresh, to a couple of months.
Sowing instructions:
- you may soak the seed 1-2 days in water at room temperature (around 20 °C or 68°F) but this is not absolutely required for Trachycarpus
- sow in light soil
- moisten
- keep at 20°-25°C (68°F-77°F). Contrary to most exotic species, Trachycarpus does not like too much heat for germination due to its origin
Repot:
- when the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant in individual pots
Care:
- does not need any particular care
- drought and water resistant
- feed regularly during growing season
- as most palms, growth is slow during the 3 first years and speeds up after that