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Palm, Windmill
Trachycarpus fortunei
Windmill Palm is a cold-hardy fan palm valued for its classic tropical appearance and surprising resilience. Native to parts of China, it is one of the most cold-tolerant trunk-forming palms available, making it suitable for portions of Central Texas where many other palms struggle. Its slender trunk is covered in coarse brown fibers, topped with rounded, fan-shaped fronds that create a refined tropical silhouette.
Windmill Palm performs best in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils with consistent moisture. It adapts to neutral to slightly alkaline soils and can tolerate typical Central Texas conditions if drainage is good. While moderately drought tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Poor drainage should be avoided, especially in winter, as saturated soils increase cold damage risk.
In the landscape, Windmill Palm is most often used as a specimen palm, courtyard focal point, or vertical accent near patios and entryways. Mature size typically reaches 30-40 feet tall with a spread of 6–10 feet. When planting in groups, spacing palms 6–8 feet apart allows for canopy development without crowding. Creamy yellow flower clusters appear in spring on mature plants, though they are secondary to the foliage. It is generally considered deer resistant.
Windmill Palm is non-toxic to pets and people. It is typically hardy to USDA Zone 8 and can tolerate temperatures into the mid to upper teens once established, though young palms benefit from freeze protection during severe cold events. In Central Texas, planting in protected locations away from strong north winds improves long-term performance.
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Cold hardy |
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Tropical look |
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Specimen palm |
Flower Color:Yellow inflorescence
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Height:30-40 Feet
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Spread:6-10 Feet
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Spacing:6-8 feet
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USDA Hardiness Zone 7b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| PLM-WIN-95 |
#095 PALM, WINDMILL |
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| PLM-WIN-XX |
XX PALM, WINDMILL 4' (PAINTED RED) |
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| PLM-WIN-45 |
#045 PALM, WINDMILL |
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| PLM-WIN-05 |
#005 PALM, WINDMILL |
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| PLM-WIN-15 |
#015 PALM, WINDMILL |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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