The Trachycarpus Fortunei, commonly named Chinese Windmill Palm, Chusan Palm or Windmill Palm, is a fan palm tree whose natural habitat is in the foothills of the Himalaya. In China, India and Bhutan it grows on altitudes of 100 to 2,400 meters. Modern gardeners prize the palm for its ability to survive and thrive in colder climates than traditional palm trees.
A Trachycarpus Fortunei on the shore of Lake Garda, Italy
Description and Characteristics
Brown-to-gray fibers cover the trunk of the Trachycarpus Fortunei, which gives it the appearance of being wrapped in burlap. The tree can grow to heights of 13 meters (40 feet), but four to eight meters (13–26 feet) characterize most of the trees, which grow more slowly as they mature. The fronds grow up to one meter (three feet) in diameter and spiral directly from the top of the tree, creating a symmetrical crown that stays green year-round.
The individual fronds divide into 30 or so leaf segments that turn yellow toward the tips. The tips vibrate in the wind, creating the windmill effect that names the tree. As the tree grows to maturity, the tough trunk fibers fall off, revealing a smooth trunk. The tree grows in shaded areas, and it can survive direct sunlight in well-drained soil. The plant also resists damage from wind and salt, making it suitable for coastal environments. The palm trees have male or female flowers on separate plants.
Landscaping Beauty in Cold Climates
Palm trees in general do poorly in cold weather, and many gardeners express surprise at the tenacity of this palm, which not only survives subzero temperatures, but also resists ice and snow better than any other palm species. The palm flourishes all over the United States, including parts of the Alaskan panhandle, and in colder climates in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The tree does not grow well in very hot or tropical climates, however.
Depite a compact root system, the Trachycarpus Fortunei grows large
Landscaping contractors and home gardeners often use the palm for adding tropical flair to pool areas or to provide shade for gardens and sitting areas. Restaurants use the Chusan Palm to shade outdoor-dining areas, and shopping malls and retail stores place them for decorative effect at entranceways.
The tree makes a great focal point for gardens, and smaller, hardy palms or palm-like plants will create a lush tropical atmosphere, even under very cold weather conditions. Decorators can craft a great look for their Jacuzzi or swimming pool area, add richness to patio designs, or line garden walkways with great pizzazz. The fan shape of the leaves looks quite different from feather-leafed palms, providing great shade and appearance. The tree produces dates, which feed wildlife, but is inedible for people.
The Trachycarpus Fortunei makes an ideal choice for small gardens or yards. The leaves cluster at the top, and the tree does not branch laterally. The tight foliage head makes the tree great for rock gardens, side yards, and space-challenged areas. Swimming pool enclosures or Victorian-era landscapes appear stunning when a single palm or cluster of Windmill Palm Trees suggests tropical groves, relieving the depressing sight of a bleak, winter environment.
Indoor Palm Trees Offer Design Versatility
These amazing trees grow well indoors, thriving in large open areas, greenhouses, or as houseplants. Small trees under eight feet grow quickly and might require transplanting outside or to a larger planter in three or four years. The plant needs just enough soil to cover its roots, and a terracotta planter or large clay pot makes the perfect vessel for use indoors.
Caring For a Trachycarpus Fortunei
Chusan Palms grow best in shaded areas with fertile soil, and they need frequent watering with well-drained soil, about twice a week. Excess wind can damage the leaves, but the plant survives. The fruits grow in great abundance, though they are not edible. The trees grow well in both acidic and alkaline soils. Organic fertilizers work best, and more frequent watering might stimulate faster growth, especially indoors, which could be undesirable. Otherwise, the hardy plant requires very little maintenance.
The Trachycarpus Fortunei adapts well to most soils and environmental conditions. Adding 20 percent sand to the soil mixture will improve drainage. The tree trunk should be wrapped in a burlap bag, and the roots should be covered with several inches of mulch or straw to protect the plant in severe weather. These trees grow relatively slowly compared to other palm varieties, 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) per year, and very few insects or diseases cause problems for cultivation, but damaged roots could make the plants more susceptible to disease.
Windmill Palm Diseases
The fungus Phytophthora might attack the roots in soggy soil, which is why gardeners need good drainage. Root rot can cause the tree to die. Phytoplasma causes yellowing like an early virus, and Myndus crudus, a leaf-dwelling insect, spreads the disease. Antibiotics can successfully treat the condition.
How to Plant Windmill Palms
Gardeners should dig a hole large enough to contain the root ball without bending individual roots, and digging the hole even wider will allow loose soil to accommodate root growth. The hole must reach deeply enough to completely cover the roots. Place the tree in the hole and extend the roots, adding small layers of soil, watering each time to settle the dirt, and patting the soil down gently until the soil buildup reaches ground level. Drained soil washes away nutrients, so fertilize the Trachycarpus Fortunei with a product recommended for the plant on a regular basis.