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Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese windmill palm, Chusan palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Trachycarpus fortunei tray-kee-KAR-pus for-TOON-ee-eye Common Name: Chinese windmill palm, Chusan palm Genus: Trachycarpus
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.
 Care: Provide fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Tolerates clay soil. Shelter from strong winds. 
 Propagation: Sow seed at 75°F in spring or fall.
 Problems: Spider mites, scale insects, leaf spots, root rot.
Height Over 30 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Early Summer
Foliage Color Evergreen
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Flowering Tree, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point, Suitable as Annual
Style Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Tropicals

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