Trachycarpus fortunei

• Botanical Name: Trachycarpus fortunei
• Common Names: Chusan palm, Chinese windmill palm, or Windmill palm.
• Mature Size: Growing to 12–20 ft (4–6 m) tall, single-stemmed fan palm. The diameter of the trunk is up to 15–30 inches (38–76 cm). It has a coarse texture, with persistent leaf bases tightly wrapped around the stem, forming dense layers of dark grey-brown fiber.
• Light Requirements: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral, and amended with organic matter to improve nutrient retention and drainage. 
• Water Needs: Moderate; allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to avoid excessive moisture.
• Foliage: Rich dark green on the upper surface and a bluish-green underside.
• Flowers: Yellow (male) and greenish (female).
• Growth Rate: Moderate, it grows about 6 to 12 inches (15 – 30 cm) in height per year. 

Uses:

• Ornamental: Highly adaptable, this palm is a popular choice for landscaping in containers, courtyards, and urban gardens. It also serves beautifully as a specimen plant, in grouped plantings, or as a striking feature along entryways for a structured, elegant appearance.
• Container Planting: Use a large, well-drained container with quality potting mix. Water and fertilize regularly, as potted plants dry out faster.
• Erosion Control: Effective at controlling erosion in karst areas thanks to its strong roots and dense, water-retentive foliage.

Benefits:

• Drought Tolerance: Very drought-tolerant once established. It can survive periods of dry weather, even inland, and is sometimes used as a street tree for its drought tolerance.
• Cool-Climate Adaptability: It is remarkably cold-hardy, making it well-suited for cool climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C) for short periods. This palm also adapts well to both humid and dry conditions, as well as windy and shady locations. 
• Low Maintenance: Generally considered a low-maintenance plant, especially when grown outdoors.
• Architectural Appeal: Fan-shaped leaves, fibrous trunk, and ability to create a tranquil, tropical feel.

This cold-hardy palm brings a touch of tropical elegance to any garden with its compact, upright form and fan-shaped leaves. Ideal for patios, courtyards, or lining pathways, it thrives in containers or open ground with minimal maintenance. Its resilience to wind, drought, and cool climates makes it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for both private and urban landscapes.