What hardiness zones is Trachycarpus fortunei suitable for?

Trachycarpus fortunei is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Trachycarpus fortunei?

Trachycarpus fortunei requires Full Sun.

How much water does Trachycarpus fortunei need?

Trachycarpus fortunei has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Trees

Trachycarpus fortunei

windmill palm

Arecaceae

Central and eastern China — Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan provinces

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageEvergreen

Height20-40 feet (6-12 m)

Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)

Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A single-trunked, fan-leaved evergreen palm reaching 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall with a crown spread of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m). The trunk is slender, 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter, covered with persistent dark brown fibrous leaf bases that create a characteristic shaggy appearance. Fan-shaped leaves (palmate fronds) are 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) across, divided into 30-50 stiff, pointed segments, dark green on the upper surface and silvery-blue beneath. Petioles are 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) long with small teeth along the margins. Dioecious; male plants produce dense, branched, bright yellow flower clusters 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long in May and June. Female plants bear blue-black, kidney-shaped drupes approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long in fall when a male plant is nearby. Growth rate is slow, adding 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) of trunk height per year. Leaf tips and margins may brown during extended cold below 5°F (-15°C), and sustained temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) can kill the terminal bud. Older lower fronds yellow and hang downward before dropping. Wind exposure in open sites can shred frond segments.

Native Range

Native to central and eastern China, found in mountain forests of Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces at elevations of 3,300-8,200 feet (1,000-2,500 m). Also naturalized in parts of southern Japan and the Chusan Archipelago.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a single specimen or in small groves for vertical accent in sheltered courtyard and urban gardens. Functions as a focal point near patios and entry gardens where the architectural form is visible year-round. Grows in containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L) in well-drained mix; containerized plants can be moved to protected areas during extreme cold events.

How to Identify

Identified by its solitary trunk covered with persistent dark brown fibrous leaf bases and a terminal crown of fan-shaped palmate fronds. Each frond is 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) across with 30-50 stiff, pointed segments. Distinguished from other fan palms by its cold-hardiness, relatively slender trunk, and the dense brown fiber mat covering the trunk rather than a smooth or ringed surface.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 40'

Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

silver

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

SpringSummer

Male plants flower in May through June, producing dense branched clusters of bright yellow flowers 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long. Female plants produce smaller, greenish-yellow flower clusters at the same time. Individual flower clusters persist 2-3 weeks. Female plants develop blue-black drupes by September that persist into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow (male); greenish-yellow (female)

Foliage Description

Dark green upper surface, silvery-blue beneath; fan-shaped palmate fronds

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply once per week during the first two growing seasons and during dry periods in summer. Established plants tolerate moderate drought but maintain better frond color with consistent moisture. Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer in spring; magnesium deficiency (yellowing of older fronds) is common and corrected with Epsom salt applications. Site in a location protected from strong winter winds, which shred frond segments and desiccate foliage. In zones 7-8a, wrap the trunk and cover the crown bud with burlap or frost cloth when temperatures below 5°F (-15°C) are forecast. Remove only fully brown, hanging lower fronds; removing green fronds reduces the plant's energy reserves.

Pruning

Remove only dead, fully brown fronds by cutting the petiole 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) from the trunk. Do not remove green or yellowing fronds, as these continue to photosynthesize and support growth. Old flower and fruit clusters can be cut off at the base after they brown. Do not cut or damage the terminal growing bud at the crown, as palms have a single growing point and damage is fatal.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic