About

A strong slow-growing evergreen palm forming a small tree with smaller, divided, fan-shaped, rigid, dark green leaves up to about 60m across making it more wind tolerant. The arching sprays of small, light yellow flowers are produced infrequently.

About the genus

Trachycarpus are dioecious evergreen palms with stout, solitary stems bearing rounded leaves palmately divided into linear segments, with pendulous panicles of small flowers followed on female plants by globose fruits

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typePalms
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toChina, Japan

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or light dappled shade. The smaller, stiffer foliage makes it more wind damage resistant and suitable for exposed gardens, though best planted where protected from cold, drying winds. Especially younger specimen would benefit from protection during periods of hard frost. Well suited for container cultivation.
PruningNo pruning required. Remove old, dead leaves.
PropagationPropagate by seed, germinate at 24°C.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease free