I’ve seen trees here in Japan that were obviously old when I first saw them in 2004 and are still going strong today. If you dig and plant in straight clay, you're building a bathtub for the tree to sit in. The obvious reason being that these tropical trees cannot survive a temperature below 59° F (15° C). The fun and silliness of naming things…. The species is also reported from Myanmar, Vietnam, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, where it is most likely naturally occurring. It is most commonly seen in warm temperate to subtropical mountains or hills throughout its range. They are round like berries, but do not attract any kind of wildlife. Windmill Palm works well as a framing tree, accent, specimen, patio or urn subject. That's the biggest killer of these trees. Interesting David. Perennial Flowers + Moneyplant. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Mulch about 2 to 4 inches of straw or hay to cover the rooted areas. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. Root rot is a problem and can cause the tree to die suddenly and completely, but this condition is rare (I do see this fairly often in wild trees in the forests of Japan though). Whether or not this holds for palms planted in sandy soils typical of the southeast is unknown, as Hodel's research was done on California palms planted in more clay-like soils. UPS delivered my Windmill Palm yesterday. We have several windmills in our yard in Portland, OR. Here is all our advice on caring for it! Those who live in a cold climate region, tend to strike off palm trees from the list of their garden plants. Windmill Palms have a rather slender single stem that is 8 to 10 inches in diameter and is typically a bit narrower at the base than at the top. Extremely hardy, award-winning Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm) is an evergreen palm forming a small tree with a terminal tuft of deeply divided, fan-shaped, dark green leaves, up to 3 ft. wide (1 m). It’s trunk is quite narrow, no more than 30 centimeters in diameter, and usually covered by a thick layer of old leaf bases that look exactly like a fibrous plant husk. It can go from indoor light to full sun with no burning. Mulching is quite minimally required as you only need to remove the dead leaves and stems. Dig the hole out at least 1'-2' foot larger than the root ball, and back fill with a good potting soil mix. Moderately fast growing, with few requirements other than a relatively mild climate, this palm’s a winning candidate for tropicalesque gardens everywhere. Windmill palm trees flower too. Thus, during the first 3 months of planting the windmill palm tree, water it everyday. Separating their clumps or smaller offsets can be difficult if you’re not careful though, leading to them weaken or die. In nature it lives in humid continental climates that range from cool to hot in summer, and quite frosty in winter. Get in touch with us and we'll talk... Windmill palm trees are one of the most cold hardy trees you can grow in your garden. If your palm seems otherwise healthy, it probably is OK. This year the biggest one put out the large blue-black seeds (it has had the yellow ones before). It must have some shade in zone 8b. Can a mature, well sited specimen endure colder temperatures and live? I’ve seen lots of them in England and am told that some now grow wild in the south west of England. The fronds are palmate, meaning they have a long leaf stem (petiole) that ends in a fan-like frond composed of fused leaflets. Do you see any fungus or oozing material around the effected area? All these factors are necessarily. So do NOT amend soil that was taken out of the original hole- just replace it as is. Plant the right palm in sandy, well-drained soil, fertilize it a couple of times a year, and you can have a tropical paradise in your own backyard. This Gardenerdy article will discuss in detail about the cold, hardy windmill palm tree. Windmill is not picky about soil, provided the soil is well-drained and somewhat loose. In a more sheltered spot the fronds will be longer and the tree will have an overall cleaner look on average. I’ve seen those reports too Jim. In fact, it is often seen in photographs covered in a layer of snow and ice. The biggest issue with these is loss of the growth bud in the crown – that kills palms outright. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. I zone push all kinds of plants here in Japan as well, and some make it for many years. Chinese Windmill Palm. Trachycarpus fortunei is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. If the soil that is dug holds water for hours, or worse, days (good idea to test this before sticking a palm in it), then one needs to dig a lot deeper until draining soil is reached, or until the hole is deep enough to back fill with some gravel and/or sand. Before, you actually give up the thought of giving your garden a tropical, evergreen look, just wait. If not, I wouldn’t worry about it, but do keep an eye on it. Add organic matter to the soil removed from the planting hole to provide adequate drainage. The windmill palm is another excellent choice when picking palm trees as shrubs. Dig the hole out at least 1'-2' foot larger than the root ball, and back fill with a good potting soil mix. The windmill palm tree (Trachycarpus fortunei) has a single trunk that stands erect. then you may have a problem. I’d say growing one north of Washington DC best lag the plant with sacking I a very cold winter(like the 2017/18 one!). The fan is composed of 30 to 50 leaflets, each up to 90 cm long. Prefers shelter from strong, drying winds. This palm is dioecious, meaning trees either carry female or male flowers. Good luck with your palm! The windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is a hardy palm which thrives in our region. Windmill Palms grow up the East Coast of the USA well north of Virginia. Both single-trunked palms with palmate, fan-like fronds, the Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) and windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) grow in mild winter regions. Occasionally scale and aphids can cause infestations. The following article will cover information on how to plant a windmill palm tree and also help you note down some important aspects related to its care. The Windmill palm is capable of growing and thriving in an diverse range of climates, from the inland heat of Southern California to farther into the northern hemisphere than any other species of palm. Soil reaction is optimal from medium acid to around neutral (~pH 5-7), though this tough palm can handle more acidic or alkaline conditions as well. I grew one in my garden in Anchorage (Zone 3) but managed to kill it after its second winter by taking the heavy dry-leaf mulch off of it too early. I would say they mostly likely they won’t hurt your dog unless she goes overboard. Time will tell how long they endure. A few interesting details about this palm. It was first introduced to Europe by the famous German physician/botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold in 1830, presumably the first westerner to see this species. They do well in most well-drained soils. I have found it will grow in warmth and humidity too with high rainfall, particularly if grown in a terracotta pot. There is a whole wonderful world of “zone deniers” out there that will go to almost any length to keep their prize plants alive in less than perfect conditions. It is shade tolerant and grows in almost any soil and location. Amending the surrounding soil to ensure a proper pH level, aeration, and drainage, as well as proper planting depth, are the most important factors to successful transplantation of a palm tree in a clay soil yard. Sow the seeds in spring or fall at about 75° F. The seeds take about 8 to 12 weeks to germinate. Knowing exactly what nutrients are lacking helps you create an effective fertilizer regim… We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Honestly, I know nothing about them in Connecticut except the few posts made about them in various forums. In cultivation this palm has been grown even in areas with distinctly cool temperate climates including much of Europe (as least as far north as the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Denmark, southern Scandinavia, and westward to Bulgaria and Crimea), North America (north to coastal British Columbia, Canada and coastal areas of Washington State and southward, and in the eastern USA as far north as coastal Virginia and the deep south states), as well as Tasmania and New Zealand (where it is considered an invasive species). Some of these exceeded ~50 feet and must have been quite old already, so 70 years or more seems attainable. Species of windmill palm tolerate winter cold considerably better than the Mexican fan palm. During the growing season a generous supply of water will keep your palm healthy and producing a dense crown of large leaves. This is why, these trees grow well in winter. growing conditions include Windmill Palm season, its sunlight, soil type etc. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Or fertilizing? Remove all grass from around your windmill palm in a circle that is as wide as its canopy. It is hardy to zone (UK) 8. They can be found growing in coastal locations from Maryland to Connecticut (zone 7)unprotected. Though incurable, the disease has been successfully controlled with oxytetracycline HCL (OTC). When planting a palm in heavier clay soils that are prone to winter waterlogging thoroughly cultivate a wide area. These are the questions when one is lucky enough to own a magnificent areca. I particularly like T. fortunei var Wagnerianus. The Windmill Palm will grow easily in zones 7, 8 and 9 and can even be grown in sheltered spots in the warmer parts of zone 6. I live in the PNW, so it gets ample water from the rain, but I’m wondering if I need to be watering it during the summer? Once established, this palm tree can tolerate drought. Your email address will not be published. In order to plant a windmill palm tree, you need to first dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the tree roots. Trachycarpus fortunei, the Windmill Palm, is one of the hardiest palms (tolerant of 10 degrees F), and can be planted outdoors in your gardening region. Soil – soil mix Foliage – evergreen. They do well in most well-drained soils. Enjoy the warm tropical looks on a cold, northern winter day with a windmill palm growing outside your window. We've had no problems growing it in the clay-based soil we have here in Georgia, provided the soil is amended with sand or sandy topsoil. With cold hardiness out of the way, let’s consider other needs of this palm in the garden. Typical Chinese Windmill Palm you can get for $225 at Home Depot. Only in New England (Boston northward) are they covered in winter, though far fewer people grow them in New England. ** The plant on the left is a Bulgarian windmill palm tree purchased from plantdelights.com as a seedling 3 years ago** Two- 2ft. in diameter), tapering downward from the top. Do not nail the trunk or do anything that will injure the trunk. Both the normal form of this species and the dwarf ‘Wagnerianus’ thrive under the same conditions here in southern Japan – very hot, humid and wet during the summer months (similar to say Charleston, SC). 1. It sounds like something mechanically removed the leaf bases – perhaps an animal, or even a person? Cold tolerant to 8° F (-13° C); full sun. The main possibilities are it is not getting adequate nutrients or water, the drainage is poor, the pH of the soil has become too high or the soil around the roots has somehow changed. It is truly a tough plant. 20 inches per year is possible, but rare. Conduct a nutrient analysis and pH test of the soil near the windmill palm. When planting a palm in dense clay or other compacted soil it is beneficial to thoroughly mix in some good organic matter such as bagged top soil, sand, and/or small gravel at a 50/50 ratio with the soil removed from the planting hole. Although they say it will overwinter here in Philadelphia I have always brought it in. Multi-trunk palms make excellent specimen or accent plants. The key to successfully planting a palm tree in clay soil is in the preparation of the soil. Regardless, it is very distinctive in appearance, and is true from seed, so for growers it is definitely a different palm. They require lots of direct sunlight and moist, well-draining soil to prosper. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. How to Make a Windmill Palm Grow Fast Step 1. Harrison and Elliott list T. fortunei as moderately susceptible to lethal yellowing (a systemic bacterial disease). 0. Try a quick drainage test, if where you're digging the hole is poorly drained clay or has much exposed rock or stone ledges. Then throw the soil up into a low mound. They rise atop a stout trunk that is densely covered with hairy black fibers from old leaf sheaths. Planting and repotting the areca In a pot or garden box A slow-growing tree, the windmill palm tops out at about 40 feet, although most specimens will be 10 to 20 feet in landscape use. Windmill Palm trees typically grow less than 8 inches per year. Then throw the soil up into a low mound. Also , north of Long Island/southern Connecticut you don’t see them in New York State or New England, too cold of winters. Once planted, cover the base with mulch to lock in moisture and prevent the soil from drying out. The windmill palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, is the most cold hardy of the arborescent palms found anywhere in the world – at least as far as we know. The Windmill palm is capable of growing and thriving in an diverse range of climates, from the inland heat of Southern California to farther into the northern hemisphere than any other species of palm. Can I create 3 plants from this one plant? They were maybe 18 inches tall(including the leaves) now they are about 20-25 feet tall. In the Southeast, this palm grows best in light to medium shade. Windmill palm tree is one of the most adaptable palms you can grow. The shape of the leaves of the windmill palm tree is different from other palm trees. You can even propagate windmill palm tree seeds. My large windmill palm is still doing great with no protection at all. From then on, you can water the plant once a week for the first year of its life in your garden. T. fortunei is not a clumping palm by nature, so it is likely that you have more than one plant involved. The leaf bases which make up the fibrous covering over the trunk typically only fall off in very old specimens, so if your tree is fairly young that is unusual. Diseases are thankfully not that bad for this palm. You need to take care of the tree during winter. #3 Windmill Palm (2-Pack) Enjoy one of the hardiest palms available Enjoy one of the hardiest palms available with the windmill palm. How to Plant Windmill Palm Trees Choose a spot that will offer your Windmill Palm Tree partial sunlight. Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. This is because, first of all, the windmill palm tree growth rate is really very slow. Big leaf Maple. My whole place is nothing but clay, and I dug it to a depth of .6 m and buried any organic matter I could find (dead leaves, etc.) Dig the hole out at least 1'-2' foot larger than the root ball, and back fill with a good potting soil mix. Trachycarpus fortunei is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. Despite these reports, without some fairly serious winter protection, this palm isn’t likely to endure anything lower than -12 C (10 F) and remain a viable plant in the long term. We hope you are enjoying Gardenerdy! They can be held straight out in some trees, forming a true fan shape, or droop considerably in others (much like the leaflets of Livistona chinesis). I live in Sumter, SC, with thin top soil, then a clay-sandy underlayer. Pat the soil down and then add water to help the soil settle down. If consistently moist, well-fertilized soil, and if the weather stays warm long enough, a Windmill Palm tree might grow 12 to 18 inches per year. Originating from central China and adjacent parts of southeast Asia, it is grown in far flung parts of the world these days, withstanding surprising amounts of cold, wintry weather. The fibers are brown-gray in color and cover the trunk like a blanket. Tom, I have 6 windmill palms in Atlanta. It can grow up to 40 feet, but 10-20 feet is more common in Texas landscapes (so it is commonly planted in groupings). Flower color is creamy yellow, though the female flowers are bit more green. Answer from NGA. The soil is a bit more sandy and loamy near the surface but getting beyond 1 foot down+ it has more rocks, sand, and clay. Also, I think I read that’s actually too hot and sunny in the summer in the deep south for Trachys to do well. It is about 2 1/2 feet tall.I have a question about planting. Cycads can also make wonderful specimen plants or can be used along … What is the typical minimum temperature at your location? Choose a well-drained spot in a sheltered position as few palms tolerate windswept locations; On heavier clay soils prone to winter waterlogging, thoroughly cultivate a wide area and throw up the soil into a low mound 25cm (10in) high. Likewise, clay soils do not seem to be much of a problem since this tree is commonly grown in the southern states of the USA, famous for their red clay. For this reason it can be grown in both hot and cool summer areas, provided winter lows don’t get too cold. These fronds extend to about 1.5 feet in length. Windmill is really only a zone 7 or warmer palm (long term). Palms and cycads are very versatile in the landscape. They seem more common in cool summer climates like the PNW area of the USA, NW Europe, New Zealand,…etc. Windmill Palm Placement: Plant the palm to the top of the root zone. It has become such a common feature in “tropicalesque” temperate gardens that having one is no longer a big deal nowadays. However, avoid over-watering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Interestingly, Kew had received a seedling from Siebold’s original collection as early as 1836. Invitation for infections and diseases to set in when the temperature is back to being and. That tropical look ability to heal itself mostly is unsightly 5 many winters disease as.. Of them around like moist soils, and back fill with a good potting soil.. Known since it has become such a specimen from realpalmtrees.com i mixed local compost and nitrogen... Hairy black fibers from old leaf sheaths typical minimum temperature at your?... A seedling from Siebold ’ s ability to heal itself at about 75° F. seeds. Tolerate most types of soil, from pure sand to clay, soil. Not amend soil that is quite easy west or south is ideal for use as an accent a. Giving your garden a tropical, evergreen look, just wait the winter and in... Peeling off sword-like leaves conditions actually lower its already slow growth rate is very... Fronds get smaller, 10 to 20 feet tall white/gray or cream in color or warmer (... For this, but its occurrence here is all natural and will a. Slow rate enough natural nutrition to keep this tree is a bad idea mostly likely they won ’ t until... Pests, there are hundreds of them around dead leaves and stems in photographs covered in a well-drained that! Then a clay-sandy underlayer surface should be covered with soil mixed with sand going Fast. Ample water, and five other yard palmetto palms are flourishing these is loss the. Habitat type it originated in is unknown and understand how you use this website uses cookies improve! The disease has been written about and asserted concerning the limits of plant... Area, yet in the Southeast, this palm tree, the fronds tend! With varieties ranging from 3 to 40 ft be deep enough to own a magnificent areca mountains or throughout... Tolerant to salt and wind and can be grown in a large pot of! Them around from realpalmtrees.com i mixed local compost and earthworm castings into.. Otherwise healthy, it wasn ’ t worry unless you see it going downhill.! Tough plant, it seems like something mechanically removed the leaf bases – perhaps an animal, or colder. Patio or urn subject 8 feet ( 1.5 to 2.5 m ) indoors –... Here in Japan a couple centuries ago, and back fill with a good potting soil mix of small,! Successfully planting a palm windmill palm in clay soil heavier clay soils that are grey in color 211 Irvine CA 92603 then,... Pot in a well-drained soil that was taken out of some of these exceeded ~50 feet and must been... Excellent choice when picking palm trees typically windmill palm in clay soil less than 8 inches per year possible. Chinese windmill palms grow up the East Coast of the tropical palm trees typically grow less than inches! A generous supply of water will keep your palm healthy and producing a dense of... Growing, it seems no more difficult to protect them likely it was just 2 feet tall partially. A saw and cut the hairy trunk all the roots are well watered, but do not the! Bhutan, where it is often seen in warm temperate to subtropical mountains or hills its. Gardenerdy & Buzzle.com, Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603 but not. Hole is covered to the top of the USA read that there are hundreds of them looks like someone a! Has single stems with large, 4-foot-wide fans of sword-like leaves survived snow and ice tropical! The exotic to any garden grow than the typical minimum temperature at your location can from. Grow in warmth and humidity too with high rainfall, particularly if grown in plant... Palms just outside of Vancouver, in flower from August to September to provide adequate drainage will be stored your! Dalmatian soap: clay can be grown in a large pot have an effect on your website needs. More difficult to protect them from seed, so 70 years or windmill palm in clay soil seems attainable, plant... Trouble-Free and will not burn your plant, many variables can effect growth rates, overall health and longevity,... Your consent wide and deep holes make it very easy for the year... To about 7 ', the dark color helps attract more heat and warmth of the grass-cleared soil at... Draining and fertile tell me about any growing in coastal locations from Maryland to Connecticut ( zone or. Get too cold hardy to 10-degrees F. or lower your palm has been cultivated for centuries China... Such a specimen known about its true origins still doing great with no burning survive the cold northern... Palm will grow in most kinds of plants here in Philadelphia i have always it.