Holiday atmosphere in your own garden

The Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), native to Asia, is one of the most frost-tolerant and robust palm species available. With a cold tolerance of up to -17 to -18°C, it can be planted outdoors in almost any suitable region. It was named after the English explorer Robert Fortune, and the first specimens were brought from Asia to Europe in 1830.

These palms can be grown either in containers or planted in the garden, provided the region has relatively mild winter temperatures. Their large, bright green fronds bring a tropical atmosphere to any home or garden. The strong leaves are fan-shaped and first emerge upright from the trunk before gradually arching downward as they mature. This is one of the reasons why windmill palms require plenty of space.

Older leaves dry out over time and can easily be removed. This medium-sized fan palm can reach a height of around 10–15 meters. In young plants, the trunk is initially smooth and later becomes covered only in the upper part with brown fibers. In summer, windmill palms produce large and abundant flower clusters. Thanks to its fast growth and easy care, it is an ideal palm for ambitious beginners and hobby gardeners.

The windmill palm is very low-maintenance and undemanding. It prefers bright locations with several hours of sunlight per day to fully develop its attractive foliage. It also tolerates partial shade, although growth will be slower. Specimens planted in the ground develop faster and show greater frost resistance than those grown in pots.

With the windmill palm, you can bring a holiday feeling into your own garden—tropical atmosphere made accessible for everyone.