Windmill Palm
Trachycarpus fortunei
This hardy Palm is renowned as the hardiest "trunked" Palm in the world. Once established it will survive brief temperatures down to between 0°F to 5°F with severe foliar damage. Usually temps above 10°F will result in no foliar damage. Sustained freezing temperatures will kill this tree however. Fast growing Palm. They put on as many as 5-10 new fronds per season. They tend to dislike extreme heat year-round (aka during the Winter). They will perform best with hot and humid Summers, and cool/mild Winters. Windmill Palms don't perform well in the hot South Florida climate. However, they thrive in virtually any other part of Florida. They have been successfully grown unprotected to Tennesee, Maryland, Virginia, Arkansas, and others. Hardy in USDA Zones 7b-9 (sheltered areas of zones 10-11 out of hot afternoon sun). Will survive in protected areas in zone 7a and perhaps 6b if heavily sheltered.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7b-9
(Shady areas in zones 10-11)
Mature Size: 30'-40' tall
(Rarely up to 50'-60' tall)
Light: Full Sun-Part Shade
(Part shade to mostly shade in sub-tropical climates such as zones 9b and warmer)
Water: Medium-Moist
Performs best in moist well draining soils. Has some drought tolerant once established.
Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Not particular with soil type and will grow in poor soil conditions except wet ones. Performs best in slightly acidic well draining soils.
Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
