Chamaerops excelsa / Trachycarpus fortunei

Common Name: Chusan Palm, Windmill Palm

Botanical Name: Trachycarpus fortunei (syn. Chamaerops excelsa)

Family: Arecaceae

Origin: Central China, Burma, northern India

Foliage: Evergreen, large fan-shaped leaves (palmate), deeply divided into numerous segments

Mature Height: 3–8 metres (depending on age and growing conditions)

Mature Spread: 2–3 metres (crown spread)

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Aspect: Full sun to partial shade; sheltered position preferred

Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types Hardiness: Hardy to approximately -15°C; one of the hardiest palms available

Uses: Specimen tree, architectural feature, container planting, tropical garden, coastal garden, courtyard garden

Chamaerops excelsa, correctly known as Trachycarpus fortunei, is the go-to palm for gardeners in the UK and Ireland seeking to introduce an exotic, architectural element to their planting schemes. This remarkably hardy palm has earned its place in temperate gardens thanks to its ability to tolerate cold, wind, and less-than-perfect growing conditions—qualities that make it a reliable and rewarding choice.

The palm’s most striking feature is its crown of large, fan-shaped leaves, each measuring up to 75cm across and divided into numerous pointed segments that radiate from a central point. The leaves are held on long, sturdy petioles (leaf stalks) that emerge from the top of a slender, fibrous trunk covered in a distinctive mat of dark brown, hair-like fibres. As the palm matures, the trunk gradually elongates, creating an increasingly dramatic silhouette.

In late spring and early summer, mature specimens produce clusters of small yellow flowers on branched panicles, followed by small blue-black fruits. While not particularly showy, these blooms add an extra layer of interest and attract pollinators.

Chamaerops excelsa thrives in a sheltered position with plenty of light, though it tolerates partial shade. It’s particularly well-suited to coastal gardens, where it benefits from the moderating influence of the sea, and to urban settings where buildings provide natural wind protection. While it can be planted directly in the ground in most regions, container cultivation is also highly successful, allowing you to create a moveable tropical feature for patios, terraces, and courtyards.

Planting Plant Chamaerops excelsa in late spring or early summer (May to June) when the soil has warmed and the risk of hard frost has passed. Choose a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade—south or west-facing is ideal. Protection from cold, drying winds is important, particularly for younger plants. Coastal and urban gardens are particularly suitable, as they offer natural shelter and milder temperatures.

The soil should be well-drained and moderately fertile. Palms dislike waterlogged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage by incorporating plenty of grit, sharp sand, or well-rotted compost. For container planting, use a loam-based compost (such as John Innes No. 3) mixed with grit or perlite for extra drainage. Choose a large, heavy container with adequate drainage holes—palms can become top-heavy as they mature.

Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Stake if necessary to provide support until the root system is well established. Apply a 5cm mulch of bark chips or gravel around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Watering Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Once established, Chamaerops excelsa is reasonably drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells in spring and summer. Container-grown specimens require more frequent watering—check the compost regularly and water when the top 5cm feels dry. Reduce watering in winter, but do not allow the compost to dry out completely.

Feeding Feed in spring (April) with a slow-release balanced fertiliser or a specialist palm feed. A second application in midsummer will support healthy growth and leaf production. Container-grown palms benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season—apply a liquid feed every four weeks from April to September.

Pruning Chamaerops excelsa requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged leaves as they appear by cutting them off close to the trunk with clean, sharp secateurs. Avoid removing green leaves unless absolutely necessary, as the palm relies on them for photosynthesis and energy. Never cut the growing point (the central bud at the top of the trunk), as this will kill the palm.

Winter Protection While Chamaerops excelsa is one of the hardiest palms available, young plants and those in exposed positions benefit from winter protection during particularly harsh weather. Tie the leaves together loosely in an upright bundle and wrap with horticultural fleece or hessian to protect the growing point from frost and wind damage. Remove coverings during milder spells to allow air circulation. Mulch around the base to insulate the roots. Container-grown palms can be moved to a sheltered spot such as against a south-facing wall or under an overhang.

Mulching Refresh the mulch layer each spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the root zone. Keep mulch clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pests & Diseases Generally trouble-free. Occasionally affected by scale insects or red spider mite in hot, dry conditions; treat with horticultural soap or a suitable insecticide if necessary. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot—ensure the soil or compost is free-draining and avoid waterlogging. Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiency; apply a balanced or palm-specific feed.

Companion Plants Pair Chamaerops excelsa with bold, architectural plants and exotic perennials that complement its tropical character. Consider planting alongside Phormium, Cordyline, Fatsia japonica, Musa basjoo (hardy banana), Hedychium (ginger lily), Canna, Kniphofia (red hot poker), ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus or Stipa, and ferns like Dicksonia (tree fern) or Dryopteris. Underplant with shade-tolerant groundcovers such as Ajuga, Vinca, or Pachysandra, or use colourful perennials like Heuchera, Hosta, or Astilbe for textural contrast.

Design Suggestions Use Chamaerops excelsa as a bold specimen tree in a sheltered border, where its architectural form can be admired from all angles. Plant in groups of three or five for dramatic impact in larger gardens, or use as a focal point in a tropical or Mediterranean-style planting scheme. Grow in a large container on a patio, terrace, or courtyard to create an instant exotic atmosphere—container-grown palms can be moved to follow the sun or provide shelter during winter. Ideal for coastal gardens, urban courtyards, or contemporary landscapes. Combine with other exotics such as Trachycarpus wagnerianus, Butia capitata, or Jubaea chilensis for a diverse palm collection. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden seeking a touch of the extraordinary.