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Genus Trachycarpus (Fan palm)

Trachycarpus Trachycarpus fortunei Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner
tray-kee-KAR-pus Common Name: Fan palm
This genus of fan palms is made up of about six species from subtropical Asia. The usually single-stemmed, evergreen palms are good in courtyards and as specimen plants because their size is small enough not to overwhelm the garden. They have terminal, fan-shaped leaves, cup-shaped flowers with white or brown bracts, and round or kidney-shaped fruit.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Fan-shaped leaves give a tropical feeling to the garden.
 Care: Well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or dappled shade, with shelter from strong or cold, drying winds.
 Propagation: Sow seed in spring or fall at 75°F.
 Problems: Leaf spots and root rot may affect seedlings. In the greenhouse, watch for spider mites and scale insects.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Trachycarpus

Trachycarpus fortunei Trachycarpus fortunei
(Chinese windmill palm, Chusan palm) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

One of the hardiest palms, Chinese windmill palm has single stems with large, 4-foot-wide fans of sword-like leaves. It produces large plumes of yellow flowers in early summer; the flowers of female plants transform into bluish-black fruits. Chinese windmill palms may be shoot-hardy to Zone 6 if protected with 10 inches of mulch. With their rich fans and handsome habits, they make attractive specimens for formal outdoor spaces. These evergreen palms are native to the mountains and temperate regions of subtropical Asia. Plants can grow to 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide.