Windmill Palm Trees (Trachycarpus Fortunei)

Windmill Palm Exotic Trees Description

The Windmill Palm Tree is a hardy, evergreen palm native to the Himalayan region, renowned for its ability to withstand cooler climates. Its elegant, fan shaped leaves and slender trunk make it a striking feature in gardens, while its resilience to cold temperatures (down to around -10°C) makes it a popular choice for UK gardens, where many other palms would struggle. The Windmill Palm is well suited for both small and large landscapes, adding a touch of exotic appeal without the need for tropical conditions. It is also an ideal choice for planting in containers, patios, or sheltered spots in the garden.

Pruning Advice

Removing Dead or Damaged Fronds: To maintain its attractive appearance, it is important to remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds. These can be cut back with sharp, clean pruning shears at the base of the stem. Remove fronds as necessary, but avoid excessive pruning as this may affect its overall health and growth.

Trimming Flower Stalks: The Windmill Palm produces small, creamy flowers in late spring or early summer, which are followed by small black fruits. These can be left on the plant if desired, but if you prefer a tidier appearance, you can trim the flower stalks back to the base once they have finished blooming.

Pruning for Shape: The Windmill Palm is naturally well shaped, so regular pruning is not necessary for shaping. However, if the palm has a few lower fronds that are blocking pathways or becoming untidy, these can be trimmed back.

Cleaning the Fronds: Occasionally, it is a good idea to clean the fronds by wiping them with a damp cloth to remove dust or debris. This helps maintain the appearance of the plant and reduces the risk of pests, like scale insects or mealybugs, which can occasionally infest the palm.

Cutting Back Old Leaves: Over time, some of the older leaves may die off. These can be removed to keep the palm looking neat and to encourage the growth of fresh, healthy fronds. Always use sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging the plant.

Further Information

Cold Tolerance: The Windmill Palm is one of the hardiest palms available, capable of surviving in temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). This makes it an excellent choice for gardens in the UK, particularly in coastal or sheltered areas where frosts are less severe.

Evergreen Foliage: This palm retains its attractive, fan shaped fronds throughout the year, providing greenery and a tropical touch even in winter months. The fan like leaves are deep green, giving a lush and vibrant look to the garden.

Low Maintenance: Once established, the Windmill Palm is relatively low maintenance. It is drought tolerant, pest resistant, and adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well drained. It requires minimal pruning and is easy to care for compared to many other palm species.

Compact Size: The Windmill Palm is slower growing than some other palms, reaching a height of around 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) at maturity. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes, from small courtyards to large landscapes.

Attractive Landscaping Feature: With its elegant appearance and ability to blend into both tropical and Mediterranean style gardens, the Windmill Palm is a great focal point. It also complements a variety of plants, such as agave, lavender, or other hardy perennials.

Air Quality Improvement: Like many plants, the Windmill Palm contributes to improving air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. It can also help reduce urban heat by providing shade and acting as a natural windbreak.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.