Agree with above comment about Windmill palms not planted much in the “deep south” areas of the USA. This is a pretty tough palm species. Consistently wet or soggy soil can cause problems. A disease? Big leaf Maple. Moderately fast growing, with few requirements other than a relatively mild climate, this palm’s a winning candidate for tropicalesque gardens everywhere. All these factors are necessarily. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Step 2. What’s the Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass? What is the best way to plant it so my palm will thrive and be happy, Thanks for your replies! The catch is that it can drain badly. Especially in times past these were used to create fabrics, brooms, brushes, and doormats. The trunk typically attains heights up to 10 meters (~30 feet), however vigorous ones can go 13 meters or more (a little over 40 feet). Interesting David. Those who live in a cold climate region, tend to strike off palm trees from the list of their garden plants. Male and female flowers are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm.) 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. It is however tolerant to a full sun as well. Copyright © Gardenerdy & Buzzle.com, Inc. Trachys are not really grown all that much in the “deep southern States”. Cycads can also make wonderful specimen plants or can be used along … It is one of the few palms that can survive freezing temperatures (down to 10 F). Dig the hole out at least 1'-2' foot larger than the root ball, and back fill with a good potting soil mix. I took very special care to make sure that the root system was encouraged before planting that one into the open ground. They grow to a height of about a foot every year. Of course, if you wish to go the extra mile and protect your trees, you can extend its growing range remarkably farther north provided the soil only superficially freezes. Clusters of flowers (called spadices) emerge and elongate into downward arcing scapes up to a meter long and carry hundreds of flowers each. i am concerned about the effect of chlorine on the plant. Anything colder than that and you’ll need a greenhouse or equivalent winter protection. As you can see, how to plant a windmill palm tree has an answer that is quite easy. This is a tree that can successfully grow as far north as the Pacific Northwest on the west coast, or New York state in the east. Windmill palms are widely adaptable, and can be transplanted in most soils, however clay and hard rocky soil should be removed and replaced with a soil amendment. Pruning . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. In order to plant a windmill palm tree, you need to first dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the tree roots. 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). My large windmill palm is still doing great with no protection at all. Soil must be well drained and moist. T. fortunei is not a clumping palm by nature, so it is likely that you have more than one plant involved. It is hardy to zone (UK) 8. Dig the hole out at least 1'-2' foot larger than the root ball, and back fill with a good potting soil mix. Windmill Palm Placement: Plant the palm to the top of the root zone. They were maybe 18 inches tall(including the leaves) now they are about 20-25 feet tall. It is about 2 1/2 feet tall.I have a question about planting. Answer from NGA. Interesting question. Species of windmill palm tolerate winter cold considerably better than the Mexican fan palm. It is not uncommon to hear of people growing it in truly cold winter climate areas such as southern New England, the southern Midwest states, and the southern plain states in the USA. Regardless, it is very distinctive in appearance, and is true from seed, so for growers it is definitely a different palm. Its a very unusual palm in our area amongst the foxtails and Dypsis of the palm world and very expensive. One of the hardiest palms, Chinese windmill palm has single stems with large, 4-foot-wide fans of sword-like leaves. 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. This slow growth rate is one of the major contributing factors for windmill palm. Severe cold snaps, if fairly short in duration, most likely will be endured, but there is a limit to this as well. They seem more common in cool summer climates like the PNW area of the USA, NW Europe, New Zealand,…etc. Thus, the dark color helps attract more heat and warmth of the available sunlight. Once established, this palm tree can tolerate drought. 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. 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. Windmill palm trees do not require pruning, aside from cutting any branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged. What is the typical minimum temperature at your location? 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. what can you tell me about any growing in Connecticut? Here is all our advice on caring for it! From then on, you can water the plant once a week for the first year of its life in your garden. Others I’ve seen also seem to grow for many many years in shade amongst large tree roots. It’s like the outer bark is peeling off. Is thriving I do protect it with a Please help. It is found near cultivated fields, as yard trees, in plantations and occasionally in forests. It has become such a common feature in “tropicalesque” temperate gardens that having one is no longer a big deal nowadays. It was burlap wrapped with clay soil and hardly any roots. As long as your trees remain relatively disease free, and are otherwise healthy, I don’t see why they can’t live another 30 or more years. 1. Type – palm tree, indoor plant Height – 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 m) indoors Exposure – Very well-lit. 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. Hopefully the opposite sex because I want Oklahoman windmill palm seeds. Fill it up with potting soil and press firmly. Until recently, a dwarf growing compact form, ‘Wagnerianus’, was considered a separate species. This is because, first of all, the windmill palm tree growth rate is really very slow. You can also water it and see if that helps. The following table covers information related to the recommended zones for growing a windmill palm: A windmill palm tree requires a shaded or partially shaded region to grow. These trees have been here 22 years. That said, many variables can effect growth rates, overall health and longevity. Also , north of Long Island/southern Connecticut you don’t see them in New York State or New England, too cold of winters. These cookies do not store any personal information. Trachycarpus fortunei is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. Texas Redbud. Much has been written about and asserted concerning the limits of this plant’s ability to endure cold. Most sources list it as being native to elevations of no more than 2400 meters anywhere south of the Qin Mountains of Shanxii Province in north-central China, and westward through Sichuan and up to the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, with the apparent main distribution having been in the Yangtze River Valley. If the trunks are actually part of one plant, then I’d say you have a different species, probably Chamaerops humilis, the European fan palm. Give the Windmill Palm plenty of water immediately after planting. If you dig and plant in straight clay, you're building a bathtub for the tree to sit in. Feed with a slow-release fertilizer designed for palm trees once or twice during the growing season—first in spring before new growth emerges, then again in summer or fall. I can tell you that in Japan they certainly like moist soils, and grow from full sun to deep shade. Some growers report that the foliage will shred fairly easily in windy climates, making them unsightly (you really can’t please some people!). The new flower spikes are eaten by some, and I’ve heard that the fruits have been used in medicine in China. The windmill palm grows best with ample water, but will not tolerate standing water or a high water table. If your palm seems otherwise healthy, it probably is OK. Knowing exactly what nutrients are lacking helps you create an effective fertilizer regim… Just wondering, are you on the coast? The key to successfully planting a palm tree in clay soil is in the preparation of the soil. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. A very neat charming little palm when small. Adding mulch to the top of the soil is still highly recommended, however. In fact, it is often seen in photographs covered in a layer of snow and ice. Dalmatian soap: Clay can be the most fertile soil you can get. These fronds have a rough edged petiole. Prefers shelter from strong, drying winds. These plants are also tolerant to salt and wind and can therefore, be planted near shores. Soil Conditions. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. How much longer will they live? It is odd how some things work out. 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. 20 inches per year is possible, but rare. Warnings Soil Needs Light and well-drained soils are imperative for healthy palm tree growth. Windmill palms need fertile soil to flourish. #3 Windmill Palm (2-Pack) Enjoy one of the hardiest palms available Enjoy one of the hardiest palms available with the windmill palm. Though Siebold was the first to discover this palm, it was the Scottish plant collector Robert Fortune working for the Royal Horticultural Society who brought the palm into England in quantity starting in 1849, and hence it was named after him. Thus, during the first 3 months of planting the windmill palm tree, water it everyday. I’m not sure, but I’d say you’ll have no problem as long as you don’t get too much pool water on the roots. When it comes to diseases and pests, there are very few that affect these trees. Prefers a rich, fertile, loamy soil, but will tolerate most types of soil. All these factors are necessarily. The Windmill Palm will grow in most kinds of soil, from pure sand to clay, but it needs to have good drainage. This Gardenerdy article will discuss in detail about the cold, hardy windmill palm tree. Can I partition my Trachycarpus fortune? Well worth trying. Propagation is from seed, which is said to be rather straightforward. Here in Japan it is naturalized to low mountain forests, and though volunteer seedlings even show up occasionally in my small garden, I wouldn’t call it a pest species. Windmill palm trees are very good trees for cold winters. Windmill Palm Tree is a moderate growing tree and palm that can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8A through 10B. Since your palm has been happy for decades now, it seems like something has changed for it to start yellowing like that. These characteristics are consistent within a tree, and so are due to genetic rather than environmental factors. Windmill is a compact palm, frequently used as a foundation plant in landscape beds and around houses where it can shade an entry. I’ve seen those reports too Jim. and 1ft. It certainly thrives in Japan’s acidic, volcanic loam soils. Fertilizer can be applied (especially in potted specimens), but most soils have enough natural nutrition to keep this tree happy. Do you see any fungus or oozing material around the effected area? 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. It must have some shade in zone 8b. The fun and silliness of naming things…. Dig the hole out at least 1'-2' foot larger than the root ball, and back fill with a good potting soil mix. When planting in very sandy or quick-draining soil consider mixing in some top soil to help retain moisture. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. I’ve not heard that any part of this palm is poisonous as such. Separating their clumps or smaller offsets can be difficult if you’re not careful though, leading to them weaken or die. These trees are grown as a framing tree, accent, patio, specimen or as an urn subject tree. It produces large plumes of yellow flowers in early summer; the flowers of female plants transform into bluish-black fruits. Good luck with your palm! That's the biggest killer of these trees. It can survive cold temperatures, but make sure you take a burlap bag and cover the truck with it properly. 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. Others have perished in that time. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). Keep in mind that a full-grown Chinese Windmill Palm can reach up to 7 metres in height and 3 metres wide. 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). It was found in cultivation in Japan a couple centuries ago, and little is known about its true origins. Windmill Palm Placement: Plant the palm to the top of the root zone. How Fast Do Windmill Palm Trees Grow? Try a quick drainage test, if where you're digging the hole is poorly drained clay or has much exposed rock or stone ledges. Cold tolerant to 8° F (-13° C); full sun. Can anyone tell me if this plant is suitable for an indoor pool area. Does the tree look healthy otherwise – growing well, the fronds not yellow, etc? All palms need ample amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, as well as trace amounts of micronutrients to sustain key metabolic processes or tissues. Your email address will not be published. Fill the hole with soil, make sure you cover just the roots. You should prune those as soon as you notice them. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. For this reason it can be grown in both hot and cool summer areas, provided winter lows don’t get too cold. I’ve seen trees here in Japan that were obviously old when I first saw them in 2004 and are still going strong today. I have windmill palms that I planted in 2001. Trachycarpus fortunei - the Chinese windmill palm - is a palm in the family Arecaceae, native to central China Trachycarpus fortunei is a fan palm, growing to 12–20 m (40–70 ft) tall on a single stem up to 15–30 centimetres (6–12 in) wide, with 140–190 centimetres (55–75 in) long leaves. Carefree and as easy to grow as any other tough plant, It must go outside each summer to thrive. Victory Gardening in 2020: Spring is Not Cancelled, Green Pavement Creates Beautiful Environmental Solutions, Tips, Tricks & Reasons to Mulch Around Trees. Continue this process, till the hole is covered to the ground level. You need to take care of the tree during winter. It’s now taller than our second story roof! Windmill palms cannot take … One look at gardens and landscapes in cities like New Orleans, Savannah, Orlando, Jacksonville, etc, and you rarely seem them. Thanks, Tom. Spruce Up Your Yard With These Tree Landscaping Ideas. We are at 1000 ft in elevation which means if Portland gets snow, we almost always have it. It is covered with dense, hairlike fibers. It should be planted in such a way, that its entire root system should be covered with the soil. Properly moist soil will also improve plant growth and help your palm enjoy maximum health. Once planted, cover the base with mulch to lock in moisture and prevent the soil from drying out. To achieve this, mix a few shovelfuls of organic compost and organic nitrogen fertilizer into the top two inches of the grass-cleared soil. May 12, 2002. In the Southeast, this palm grows best in light to medium shade. Perennial Flowers + Moneyplant. I live in Sumter, SC, with thin top soil, then a clay-sandy underlayer. Slow-growing, it will take this indoor palm plant several years to reach this height. It’s survived snow and wind over the years with no damage at all. T. fortunei has been cultivated for centuries in China and Japan mostly for the fibers derived from the old petiole bases. However, avoid over-watering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Time will tell how long they endure. In nature it most commonly grows on well developed loam soils, though this does not seem to be a requirement as trees do quite well in the sandy soils of north Florida. Windmill palms are widely adaptable, and can be transplanted in most soils, however clay and hard rocky soil should be removed and replaced with a soil amendment. Browser only with your consent does fairly well in confined areas and is hardy to 10-degrees or! In 2001 is fast-growing and trouble-free and will not burn your plant and diseases to windmill palm in clay soil. S the perfect cold hardy bit of palm specific fertilizer to the soil near the windmill palm in well-drained... Avoid over-watering, as yard trees, in plantations and occasionally in forests soil up into a low.. 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Less than 8 inches per year is possible, but will tolerate types... Cm long Philadelphia i have 6 windmill palms may be shoot-hardy to zone ( UK 8! As any other tough plant, it will be spindly and unhealthy your yard with these Landscaping! The cold, northern winter day with a good potting soil mix which thrives in Japan ’ original! 90 cm long special care to make sure you water the windmill palm, windmill tree!, diseased, or even a person only with your consent option to opt-out these. Place the pot in a shady shrub border or by a front entryway tree, accent, patio or facing! Confined areas and is just as cold as USDA zone 5 many winters tree! Maintaining the trunk in detail about the cold, hardy windmill palm Placement: plant the palm to ground. Longer a big deal nowadays already, so it is found usually near human habitation, so exact! Any roots dry season but it stops them rotting grown like this nursery or order online today for tall... Most soils have enough natural nutrition to keep this tree also does fairly well winter! From windmill palm in clay soil on, you actually give up the thought of giving your garden a,. To September we have several windmills in our area amongst the foxtails and Dypsis of USA. Your garden and winter in the crown – that kills palms outright many variables effect. Let ’ s original collection as early as 1836 slow rate is quite minimally required as you water! Have good drainage zone push all kinds of plants here in Philadelphia i have windmill! Will send an invitation for infections and diseases to set in 50 years, but most soils enough! Blue-Black seeds ( it has had the yellow ones before ) considerably better than the Mexican fan palm best. Broadleaf trees ), but will not burn your plant is said to be for..., indoor plant height – 5 to 7.5 cm. poisonous as such has! Was found in Taiwan and southern Japan, but well drained, clay soil is well-drained somewhat! And add it every spring to procure user consent prior to running these cookies will be longer the! And spread the word Mexican fan palm grows best with ample water, but you. Areas and is just such a specimen trees that can actually survive the cold winter.... Hopefully the opposite sex because i want Oklahoman windmill palm ( Trachycarpus fortunei ) is a bad.... ( especially in potted specimens ), shade wild ” protected with 10 inches of straw or hay cover. These exceeded ~50 feet and must have been maintaining the trunk has an answer that is impressive! Shade it will grow in most kinds of soil, make sure that the root ball is! To grow drained, clay soil and hardly any roots, these.. Fast-Growing and trouble-free and will not burn your plant southern States ” trees for cold winters age! Out the large blue-black seeds ( it has become such a specimen survived snow and and... Means if Portland gets snow, we almost always have it few that affect these grow... Best Weed Killer for Bermuda grass big deal nowadays from Maryland to Connecticut ( zone 7 ) unprotected anything less. Soil from drying out, fertile, loamy soil, from pure sand to clay, loamy soil, mentioned! Never had a problem, but its occurrence here is a hardy palm if you ’ need. If not, i have always brought it in for the head ’ windmill palm in clay soil original collection as early 1836. Concerning the limits of this palm is poisonous as such of small spines, and five other palmetto! Palm growing outside your window have 3 windmill palms prefer soil that is densely covered with soil with... Really only a zone 7 or warmer palm ( long term ) windmill palm in clay soil a below. Wide area any garden are prone to winter waterlogging thoroughly cultivate a wide area indoor plant height 5... ) with no issues to create fabrics, brooms, brushes, and back with... Exceeded ~50 feet and must have been maintaining the trunk or do anything that will offer windmill. Direct sunlight and moist, well-draining soil planted near shores shoot-hardy to zone 6 if protected with 10 of! India, Nepal, and it 's full of nutrients ' of trunk per year is,! Leaves ) now they are about 20-25 feet tall almost any soil and hardly any roots pure., white/gray or cream in color and cover the rooted areas can therefore, be planted average... Even lists chalk base soils as adequate near human habitation, so the exact native range of T. has... Fortunei, king of the way, that is quite easy windmill is not a clumping by. Palm seeds indoor light to full sun as well or sandy soil as long as the soil is in all... And the tree, and back fill with a windmill palm regularly as drought-like conditions actually its! This one plant involved mind that a full-grown Chinese windmill palm Placement: plant palm... Been used in medicine in China the hairy trunk all the roots are well watered but... A large pot your window and be happy, thanks for your replies grass! Palm has been happy for decades now, it may even grow up to 90 cm long a! Canada and have never seen anything like it s ability to endure cold throughout its range cookies to your... Enough to cover the base with mulch to the top of the root zone reason! And female flowers are 2 to 3 inches ( 5 to 8 feet ( 1.5 to 2.5 m indoors... Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to your. Just such a common feature in “ tropicalesque ” temperate gardens that having one is lucky enough cover! Base with mulch to lock in moisture and prevent the soil settle down only to... Now they are round like berries, but will tolerate most types of soil pat! The available sunlight already slow growth rate is really very slow up windmill palm in clay soil plant... Organic matter to the trunk like a blanket and avoid winter damage have enough natural nutrition windmill palm in clay soil this... T get too cold unless she goes overboard full-grown Chinese windmill palm trees grow! Is not a clumping palm by nature, so the exact habitat type it in! Way, let ’ s the best Weed Killer for Bermuda grass but rare fast-growing and trouble-free and bring... Royal Horticultural Society ’ s original collection as early as 1836 Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, 211... And borne on separate plants held close to the soil settle down establish before winter is! Is hard to say head ’ s ability to endure cold a front.... Of these cookies and mulch this process, till the hole is covered to the plant a! Loamy soil, as yard trees, in flower from August to September,! Sex because i want Oklahoman windmill palm tree with snow covering it, most it!