Trachycarpus fortunei Seeds | Windmill Palm
LATIN NAME: Trachycarpus fortunei
COMMON NAME: Windmill Palm
Plant Profile
Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as Windmill Palm, is a generous, easy palm. Windmill palm is tough, hardy, fan-leaved palm of temperate gardens, and it has been grown in cool, damp gardens of east for a very long time. Single trunk is covered with dark, fibrous, hairy old leaf-bases, and large, round, fan-shaped leaves spread from top in a fine, bold crown. It is one of hardiest of palms, standing up well to cold and shade, and it gives a fine, tropical look to cool garden. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Trachycarpus group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Windmill palm has a steady place in plant science, and it has been studied for a long time as one of hardiest of fan palms. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
Windmill Palm works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Windmill palm is grown for fine, bold, tropical look it gives to cool garden. Large, fan-shaped leaves and fibrous trunk make it a striking specimen or a fine group planting, and it is one of hardiest of palms for temperate garden. Dark fibre of trunk has a long history of use for brushes, mats and cordage in east, and young flower buds and leaf bases have their uses. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
The windmill palm is the hardiest fan palm for cool gardens; its fiber and flowers had traditional uses in China.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Windmill Palm, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Windmill Palm earns its space through character rather than fuss. Established seedlings need little beyond ordinary attention.
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