Trachycarpus fortunei

Trachycarpus fortunei is a hardy evergreen palm forming a single trunk clothed with fibrous leaf bases and topped with a bold crown of large, fan-shaped green leaves. Reliable in much of the UK when given shelter from cold, drying winds, it makes a striking architectural specimen for borders, courtyards and urban gardens, and can be grown in a large container while young. Plant in a sunny or lightly shaded, sheltered position in moist but well‑drained, moderately fertile soil. Mature plants may produce pendent sprays of small flowers in late spring to early summer (male plants typically yellow; female flowers are followed by bluish-black fruits).

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Sun or light shade; sheltered from cold, drying winds

Rate of Growth: Slow

Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Hardiness: Hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5)

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Plant at a Glance