Mediterranean Fan Palm

It is a shrub-like clumping palm, with several stems growing from a single base. The stems grow slowly and often tightly together, eventually reaching 2–5 m tall with a trunk diameter of 20–25 cm. It is a fan palm (Arecaceae tribe Corypheae), with the leaves with a long petiole terminating in a rounded fan of 10-20 leaflets; each leaf is up to 1-1.5 m long, with the leaflets 50–80 cm long. It also has numerous sharp needle-like spines produced on the leaf stems; these may protect the stem growing point from browsing animals. The flowers are borne in dense, short inflorescences at the top of the stems; it is usually (but not invariably) dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants.

Wagner Windmill Fan Palm

The cultivar group Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Wagnerianus’ is a small-leafed semi-dwarf variant of the species selected in cultivation in China and Japan. It differs in rarely growing to more than 5 m (16 ft) tall, with leaflets less than 45 cm long; the short stature and small leaves give it greater tolerance of wind exposure. It has often been treated as a separate species T. wagnerianus in popular works, but is now included within T. fortunei.

Needle Palm

The Needle Palm is very popular among palm enthusiasts in temperate climates for its extraordinary ability to tolerate cold. Some reports have claimed survival of temperatures as low as −23 °C (−10 °F) with heavy damage, but with the palm recovering. More realistic estimates are closer to −18 °C (0 °F) with foliar damage.

24″ Box Windmill Palm With 3-4′ Trunk

These large boxed trees are ideal for transplanting for an instant tropical look.  Both Boxed trees and 15 gallon Windmill Palms will be available in the spring.

Zone: 7B to 11 (cold hardy to 10 degrees F)

Growth Rate: Moderate

Family: Arecaceae or Palmae

Native Range: Asia including southeastern China, Taiwan and the Chusan Islands.

Height: 10 to 30 feet

Spread: 6 to 10 feet

Sun: Part Shade
Fall Color: Evergreen

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

Water: Adequate moisture makes for rapid growth and best appearance but it is amazingly drought tolerant as well (although plants will appear stunted and growth rate dramatically slowed if regular watering is withheld).

Maintenance: Low, there is very little pruning needed. Excess pruning of leaves stunts growth.

Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances: Best in well drained soils with above average fertility but it will survive in almost anything except perpetually soggy conditions. It is moderately salt tolerant and can be planted behind the first line dunes or against a structure that will shield it from direct exposure to sea breezes.  In the Lower mainland, Vancouver, and general Pacific Northwest Coast Climate I find that it is important to have well drained soil and to let trees get a little dry between watering.  Mixing in lava or perlite provides the best results.

Uses: Windmill Palm works well as a framing tree, accent, specimen, patio or pool. It is ideal for use as an accent in a shady shrub border or by a front entryway. It does well in confined areas. Great container specimen.  In marginal areas planting in a sheltered south facing position helps speed growth and reduce winter damage.

7 Gallon Windmill Palm Trees

Something to talk to your friends in Alberta about while they are at -20 

The Palms are locally grown and already acclimatised.  These pot sizes have around a foot of trunk  and are well established.  Free Vancouver area delivery on 3 or more trees.