The Windmill Palm is an easy-to-care-for, resilient and attractive palm. At Atlanta Palms, it is our top pick for a cold-hardy palm. With its towering trunk and lush fronds at the top, the Windmill Palm Tree not only boasts the classic palm appearance but also withstands cooler temperatures better than most palm varieties.
Physical Characteristics
Windmill Palms have a single trunk covered in hairy fibers, providing an additional layer of protection from the harsh winter weather. They are topped with 3-foot wide, dark green, fan-like fronds that form an evergreen canopy resembling the blades of a windmill. When mature, it produces clusters of yellow flowers in the summer, followed by blue-black fruit.
The Windmill Palm, originally from Eastern Asia, is also known as a Chinese Fan Palm, Chinese Windmill Palm, Chusan Palm and Fortunes Palm. It is a slow grower, averaging growth rates of 6-12 inches per year. Despite its slow growth, the Windmill Palm maintains its visual appeal, radiating grace and beauty at every stage of its development. Windmill Palms reach heights of up to 20-40 feet, although they have been known to grow over 50 feet in the wild.
Basic Care for Windmill Palms
Windmill palms are pest and disease-resistant, and require minimal effort in terms of care and maintenance.
Sunlight: They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Water: Water every day for the first week, every other day for the second week and three times a week for the first month. Once established, they only need to be watered once a week unless it rains. Be wary of overwatering and poor drainage, as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize three times a year: in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Use a general- purpose blend specific to palms and be sure to follow the label instructions.
Soil: Windmill palms tolerate most soils, as long as they drain well. A 70% soil, 30% coarse sand mix is best.
Pruning: No pruning is necessary with Windmill palms. When a frond dies, it will detach and fall on its own. If you choose to prune browning fronds, only prune those that are fully brown. Do not cut any green or partially green fronds, as this can weaken the palm.
How Cold Tolerant is the Windmill Palm?
One of the most important features of a Windmill Palm is its cold hardiness. Windmill Palms thrive in grow zones 7-11, although they have been seen in colder areas. They withstand sustained temperatures of 10°F with short drops to 0°. It is worth noting that younger Windmills need additional protection from the cold, as they are more susceptible to damage. Older, more mature palms become hardier every winter, which is why larger Windmill Palms can sometimes be spotted in areas with temperatures way below 10°F.
Windmill Palm Planting
Windmill Palms add a tropical feel wherever they are planted. The design possibilities with this palm are endless. They are a good option to plant near the house, driveway, or pool because their fibrous superficial root system will not damage structures. They look great planted on their own as a focal element, as well as in a group of 3, 5 or 7 palms of different heights. Planting close together staggered palms is also a good way to create some privacy for your property.
Although the Windmill Palm is a slow grower, it will eventually become very tall, so be sure to choose a spot that is appropriate for a tall specimen. Windmill Palms also look great in planters and grow so slowly that if you pick a large enough container, they only need to be transplanted every few years. Large palms also thrive in containers, making them a great option for decorating larger commercial areas and pools with built in planters.
The Windmill Palm, with its resilience and captivating beauty, will surely turn any area into a stunning tropical oasis.
Windmill Palm Growth Rate
Windmill Palms grow at a rate of about 6-10 inches per year. On average, most grow around 8 inches per year. In consistently hotter weather, they tend to grow at a quicker rate and where it is colder, they grow slower.
Where to Buy Windmill Palms
Look no further than Atlanta Palms to buy high-quality Windmill Palm Trees, backed by our 1-year guarantee. If you need help figuring out what size is right for you and where to plant it, our landscape designers and palm experts are here to help. Call us (770) 400.9897 or visit Atlantapalms.com for more information.
FAQS:
Are Windmill Palm trees poisonous to dogs?No, Windmill palms are pet safe. They are not poisonous to dogs or other animals.
Can Windmill Palms be grown in containers?
Yes! Palm trees in general are very suitable for containers, due to their low water requirements and superficial fibrous root system. Windmill Palms, in particular, are ideal in containers because they grow slowly and only need to be transplanted to larger containers every few years.
How tall do Windmill Palms get?
Windmill palms grow to about 20-40 ft tall, but in the wild, some can reach up to 60 feet.
How fast does a Windmill Palm grow?
Windmill Palms grow from 6-12 inches per year, depending on various factors. Windmill palms planted in containers grow slower than those planted on the ground, and consistently warm locations promote faster growth.
What type of soil is best for Windmill Palm trees?
Windmill Palms grow well in most soils, as long as they are well draining. It is best to incorporate 30% coarse sand and 70% soil for the mix.
