The botanical name for this palm tree is Trachycarpus fortunei, and it belongs to the Arecaceae (palm) family. The species name was given in honor of Robert Fortune, a horticulturist from Scotland. The windmill palm has fan-shaped leaves that are 3 feet in length, and which give the tree its name. The leaf shafts produce fibers that cover the trunk and can be made into ropes, mats, brushes, brooms, or even hats. The leaves are also sometimes used in thatched roofs. Plant your windmill palm in the spring. Windmill palm grows well near the ocean since it tolerates salt. It is a good choice for containers, although they need to have adequate drainage holes. In outdoor environments, windmill palms are perfect for sheltering a patio. If you do not want to deal with fallen fruit, look for a male tree.
Light
Windmill palm prefers a semi-shade or shady location, but will tolerate full sun in more northern climates.
Soil
As long as there is good drainage, the windmill palm will grow in most soil conditions and pH levels. It does not like to have wet feet. The leaves are somewhat delicate, so a location somewhat sheltered from harsh winds is best as strong winds may shred the leaves.
Water
Newly planted windmill palms should be watered every few days. Established plants should be watered once or twice weekly.
Temperature and Humidity
Windmill palms are cold-hardy, tropical plants. They can survive down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, and thrive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8a-11.
Fertilizer
Windmill palm needs a slow-release fertilizer twice a year: first in the spring, then again in summer or fall.
Pruning
There are no pruning requirements for this tree except for the standard advice to prune away any parts that have become dead, damaged, or diseased.
How to Grow Windmill Palm From Seed
The best way to propagate windmill palm is to use palm seeds to propagate new trees. To do so, remove the fleshy seed-coat and soak the seeds in water for several days. Plant seeds, as deep as they are wide, in rich, potting medium mixed with peat moss. Water regularly, and keep in bright sunlight. Patience, grasshopper, seeds may take one to seven months to germinate. When the seedling’s first leaf is over 2-inches long, it can be replanted in the soil outdoors.
Potting and Repotting Windmill Palm
Windmill palm can also be grown indoors in pots; it grows slow enough that it will be many years before it outgrows the space.
Overwintering
Windmill palm are hardy, but it never hurts to give yours some protection during the winter months. You can cover the crown and base with either a frost blanket, or a layer of mulch.
Common Pests/Diseases
Windmill palm is relatively free of problems, especially in cooler climates. Further south, it sometimes experiences problems from scale insects and palm aphids. Diseases are rare, though leaf spots and yellowing disease sometimes occur. If the soil is not well-drained, root rot may be a problem.
