Trachycarpus fortunei Palm Tree – a hardy palm for UK gardens
Looking for a hardy palm tree that will thrive in a UK garden? Trachycarpus fortunei is one of the best-known and most reliable choices for British gardens, bringing instant architectural impact and an unmistakably exotic look while remaining remarkably tolerant of our climate.
Also known as the Windmill Palm or Chusan Palm, Trachycarpus fortunei is an evergreen palm with a distinctive fibrous trunk and a crown of large, fan-shaped green leaves. It is particularly popular with garden designers and homeowners wanting to create a tropical or exotic garden in the UK, without choosing a palm that needs a warm, sheltered climate to succeed.
Measurements
1 metre 60cm including pot.
Trunk height 30cm approximately
Pot measures 35cm diameter by 30cm depth.
Why choose Trachycarpus fortunei?
Trachycarpus fortunei has earned its reputation as one of the UK’s most dependable hardy palms. It is evergreen, architectural and relatively easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for everything from contemporary gardens and town gardens to larger country gardens and exotic planting schemes.
Its tall, textured trunk gives it a strong vertical presence, while the fan-shaped foliage creates movement and year-round structure. Plant a specimen as a focal point, use several to create a dramatic avenue, or combine it with other hardy Mediterranean and exotic plants for a lush, architectural planting scheme.
A hardy palm tree for the UK
One of the great attractions of Trachycarpus fortunei is its ability to cope with the UK’s changeable weather. Established plants are regarded as exceptionally hardy and are grown successfully across much of Britain. (Hardy Palms)
This makes the Windmill Palm an excellent choice if you want the visual impact of a palm without restricting yourself to the mildest parts of the country.
As with any palm, choosing the right position makes a difference. A sunny or lightly shaded position with good drainage is ideal. Some shelter from strong winds will also help keep the large leaves looking their best.
Trachycarpus fortunei in an exotic garden
If you are creating an exotic garden in the UK, Trachycarpus fortunei is one of the classic palms to consider.
Its evergreen foliage works particularly well alongside palms, yuccas, agaves, banana plants, tree ferns and other architectural planting. It can also be surprisingly effective in more formal or contemporary gardens, where its strong shape provides a dramatic focal point.
For smaller urban gardens, a single well-positioned palm can provide height and structure without requiring a large planting bed.
Planting and caring for your Windmill Palm
Trachycarpus fortunei is straightforward to establish. Plant into well-drained soil and water regularly during the first growing season while the root system establishes.
Once established, it is a relatively low-maintenance palm. Feed during the growing season with a suitable palm fertiliser and remove old or damaged leaves as required.
Although naturally tough, the large fan-shaped leaves can become damaged or tatty in very exposed, windy positions, so a little shelter is preferable if you want the palm to retain its best appearance.
Buy Trachycarpus fortunei palm trees in the UK
We supply Trachycarpus fortunei palm trees from our Norfolk nursery, carefully selected for their quality and strong architectural form.
Whether you are looking for a hardy palm tree for a Norfolk or Suffolk garden or elsewhere in the UK, an evergreen focal point for a new landscape, or a statement palm for an exotic garden, Trachycarpus fortunei is a proven and versatile choice.
Free mainland UK delivery is included with this product.
Are you looking for a palm tree? See our wide range of stock we available have today.
Is Trachycarpus fortunei hardy in the UK?
Yes. Trachycarpus fortunei is one of the most widely grown hardy palms in the UK and is suitable for many parts of Britain. It is valued for its tolerance of cold, wet and changeable conditions.
What is the common name for Trachycarpus fortunei?
Trachycarpus fortunei is commonly known as the Windmill Palm or Chusan Palm.
Is Trachycarpus fortunei evergreen?
Yes. It is an evergreen palm, retaining its characteristic fan-shaped foliage throughout the year.
Where should I plant a Trachycarpus fortunei?
Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with reasonably well-drained soil. A sheltered position is preferable because strong winds can damage the large leaves.
Is Trachycarpus fortunei suitable for an exotic garden?
Yes. It is one of the classic palms used to create an exotic or tropical-style garden in the UK and combines particularly well with other hardy architectural plants.
Can Trachycarpus fortunei be grown in a pot?
Yes, particularly when young, although a large specimen will ultimately perform best when planted into the ground where its roots have room to develop.
