Trachycarpus fortunei, also known as Chinese windmill palm, is widely grown in temperate areas, as it is without doubt one of the cold hardiest palms. It is native to the temperate and subtropical areas of southeastern China, Taiwan and the Chusan islands (hence one of its vernacular names). This palm can easily withstand cold spells down to -15°C, -18°C and, for brief periods, even slightly lower temperatures. Moreover, this is a relatively fast growing palm, even in relatively cold areas, appreciated for its cold hardiness and its ornamental features.

T. fortunei is a very interesting palm for gardeners of temperate areas. It does not need an extensive warm season to grow well, and can be grown in shady areas.

This palm can reach 8 to 12 m, and has a single stem with an average diameter of 20 to 25 cm, covered with thick layers of brown fibers. Leaves are palmate, evergreen, green to dark green on the upper side, paler on the underside, 1 to 1,50 m long.

T. fortunei is generally dioecious but some subjects were reported as monoecious, however this is yet to be confirmed and quantified. As a consequence, male and female flowers, which are grouped in large yellow-cream to yellow inflorescences, are normally borne on separate subjects.

Fruits appear on female subjects, when pollinated by male Trachycarpus. They are round, numerous on each infrutescence, and are dark-purple to purple-black when fully ripe. They contain a single seed.

Trachycarpus fortunei requiert les expositions suivantes : ombre,mi-ombre,lumière,soleil

This palm can be grown in a large range of soils. However, it prefers a well-drained soil that remains reasonably moist during the growing season. It can be grown in full shade to full sun. Strong winds should be avoided.

The larvae of Paysandisia archon are known to infest feather palms such as Phoenix canariensis or Jubaea chilensis. However, it is also known to attack palmate palms such as Trachycarpus fortunei.