Also known as Windmill Palm · 122 saves
Trachycarpus
Trachycarpus, the genus most gardeners know as windmill palm. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Trachycarpus varieties
Species of Trachycarpus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Trachycarpus in Sow
Save the Trachycarpus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Trachycarpus
Whats common across all Trachycarpus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Trachycarpus year
- PruneMarch and April100% of varieties
Remove only completely brown or dead fronds close to the trunk
- FertilizeApril and June100% of varieties
Apply slow-release palm fertilizer as new growth begins
- Winter PrepOctober and November100% of varieties
In colder Zone 7 areas, wrap trunk and tie up fronds for severe cold protection
- PlantMarch–May36% of varieties
Plant in spring after danger of hard frost has passed and soil warms
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead fronds in late winter
- Prune dead or damaged fronds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Do not expose to frost; protect or bring indoors in cold climates
- Do not expose to frost in winter
What goes wrong with Trachycarpus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply horticultural oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Scale Insects | Sticky residue and yellowing fronds | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Yellowing fronds, soft roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown spots on fronds | Improve air circulation and remove affected leaves |
| Root Rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Trachycarpus
Division
- Divide mature clumps in early spring
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seed
- Tuck seeds in moist soil in early spring
- Maintain soil moisture for 8 weeks
- Keep in warm, bright location
Trachycarpus questions
How many types of Trachycarpus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Trachycarpus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 122 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Trachycarpus grow in?
Across its varieties, Trachycarpus covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Trachycarpus bloom?
Most Trachycarpus varieties bloom in late spring, late spring to early summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Trachycarpus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.