Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
360 inches
Width
108 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Central and Eastern China
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm with a slender trunk and fan-shaped, palmate leaves that create a graceful, tropical silhouette. This species is renowned for its exceptional cold tolerance among palms, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in temperate climates.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Apply a balanced fertilizer during growing season
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Protect from harsh winter winds with burlap if necessary
- Prune dead or damaged fronds in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage and protect from cold winds for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during the growing season 🌱
- Apply fertilizer in spring and summer
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead leaves in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
- Avoid exposing to frost without protection
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Windmill Palm questions
What zones can Windmill Palm grow in?
Windmill Palm is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Windmill Palm deer resistant?
Yes — Windmill Palm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Windmill Palm bloom?
Windmill Palm typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Windmill Palm need full sun?
Windmill Palm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Windmill Palm drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Windmill Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Trachycarpus to compare
Taylor Windmill Palm
Trachycarpus fortunei 'Taylor'
Chusan Palm Charlotte
Trachycarpus fortunei 'Charlotte'
Windmill Palm
Trachycarpus fortunei 'Bulgaria'
Dwarf Windmill Palm
Trachycarpus nanus
Wagnerianus Windmill Palm Chinese Windmill Palm
Trachycarpus fortunei 'Wagnerianus'
Windamere Palm
Trachycarpus latisectus
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Windmill Palm with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
