Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun but appreciates some afternoon shade in very hot climates.

How fast does it grow?

It is a relatively slow grower, typically adding 15 to 30 centimeters of trunk per year.

Plant guide

Windmill Palm.

Trachycarpus fortunei

Pronounced tra-kee-KAR-pus for-TOO-nee-eye

Also known as Chinese Windmill Palm, Chinese fan palm, Chusan Palm, Chusan fan palm, Windmill Palm, hemp palm

Chusan Palm — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The Windmill Palm is a hardy, fan-shaped palm that brings a tropical feel to cooler climates. It features a slender, fibrous trunk topped with a crown of deep green, circular leaves. This palm is quite resilient and can handle light frosts better than most other species.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Palm
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 20 to 40 feet
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 7 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant in well-draining soil and ensure the crown stays clear of standing water to prevent rot. Watch for yellowing fronds which may indicate a need for more nutrients or poor drainage. It prefers a spot sheltered from harsh, drying winds.

Watering: Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced palm fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Remove only dead or brown fronds to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the roots have clearly outgrown the current container.
Soil: Loamy, well-draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 50 to 100 years.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

roots growing out of the drainage holes
stunted growth despite proper care
soil drying out extremely quickly

Safety

People: This plant is not considered toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The sharp, stiff leaf tips can be a minor poking hazard for small children.
Contact allergens: The fibrous trunk material can cause minor skin irritation if handled without gloves.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.
Edibility: The fruit is technically edible but generally considered unpalatable and not worth consuming.

How to identify it

Circular fan shaped fronds
Hairy dark brown trunk fibers
Slender and upright growth habit
Deep green leathery leaf segments

Height: 3 to 12m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: blue, black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Check your windmill palm from a photo

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: In very cold regions, wrap the trunk with burlap and protect the crown from freezing rain. Ensure the soil remains well drained to prevent root rot during wet winters.
In containers: It grows very well in large containers, provided the pot is at least 40 centimeters wide and has excellent drainage.

Seed

1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
2. Sow in a well draining seed starting mix.
3. Keep at a consistent temperature of 25 Celsius.
4. Be patient, as germination can take several months.

Plant low growing ferns or groundcovers around the base to keep the roots cool and moist.

Grows well with

Hosta — These shade lovers provide a nice textural contrast beneath the palm.
Japanese Maple — They share similar soil requirements and create a beautiful layered look.

Similar species

European Fan Palm — It is another cold hardy fan palm but tends to be more shrubby and multi stemmed.

Science

Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Trachycarpus
Order: Arecales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Central and eastern China.
Conservation: This species is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It grows in mountain forests where it benefits from cool, moist air and well drained soil.

Value to wildlife: provides cover for small birds, nectar source
Pollinators: bees, beetles
Uses: ornamental specimen, patio plant, coastal garden accent

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Moisture: 5/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers full sun but appreciates some afternoon shade in very hot climates.
How fast does it grow?: It is a relatively slow grower, typically adding 15 to 30 centimeters of trunk per year.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Trachycarpus comes from the Greek words for rough and fruit, while the species epithet honors the botanist Robert Fortune.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the windmill palm because of its fan shaped leaves.
The fibers from the trunk are traditionally used to make ropes and brushes.
It is one of the most cold hardy palms in the world.
It can grow in surprisingly cool climates compared to other palms.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

Keep your windmill palm growing

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.