Trachycarpus fortunei, The Windmill Palm, or Chusan Palm. A hardy palm for all UK gardens.
Family Arecaceae
Originating from Northern Myanmar to Central China
- Received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit
- A hardy garden palm that we can grow outside with no protection in the UK.
- Evergreen and architectural, adaptable to many styles of garden.
- Easy to grow in any soil in sun or shade
Rediscover the magic of faraway holidays every time you step into your garden. Trachycarpus fortunei, also known as the Chusan Palm, doesn’t need white sand beaches or admiring tourists to amaze. In fact, it’s the hardiest trunk-forming palm, tolerating temperatures as low as -18°C. Ideally suited to the UK’s wet winters and heavy clay soils, this remarkable palm is a resilient and rewarding addition to any outdoor space.
Explore our in-depth Trachycarpus fortunei profile here.
The Windmill Palm – A Stunning Focal Point
A healthy Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill palm, boasts a crown of up to 50 lush, fan-shaped leaves, each reaching up to 1.5m long and 80cm wide. They are elegantly pleated and fan-shaped, swaying and rustling gracefully in the gentlest breeze. In early summer, golden-yellow flower spikes emerge among the leaves, adding striking colour to its display. On female plants, they mature into beautiful clusters of seeds, creating visual interest throughout the year.
Whether planted as a single statement specimen or as part of a group, this palm creates an unforgettable display. Mature specimens hold their crowns aloft, while younger specimens beneath form a layered, jungle-like scene. Thanks to its naturally rugged, fibrous trunk, it’s the perfect choice for jungle-style gardens.
Yet this palm isn’t limited to wild or exotic styles. Its long history in the UK, dating back to its Victorian introduction, means it fits just as seamlessly into English woodland or formal gardens.
Versatility of Trachycarpus fortunei, the Chusan Palm in Design
Trachycarpus fortunei can be styled to suit your garden::
- Natural Look: Let it be! Grow it with its shaggy trunk for a rugged jungle feel.
- Manicured Elegance: Remove the trunk’s fibres for a chic, tropical appearance. This approach makes it look like a different species altogether.
- Structural Planting: Use a single specimen as a striking focal point, plant in pairs to frame views, or cluster in courtyards to evoke the charm of a Moorish oasis.
An Invaluable Garden Asset
This adaptable and hardy garden palm is invaluable for UK gardeners. Its lush evergreen foliage, golden flowers, and year-round architectural presence make it a standout choice for creating exotic beauty in any garden. Few plants combine ease of care with such striking impact.
Height and spread after 4 – 5 years 1.5m x 1m
Semi-mature height and spread after 8 – 10 years 3.5m x 2.5m
Potential height and spread after 20 – 50 years 12m x 2.5m
