Good plant #78 - Trachycarpus Fortunei

I expect the winters of 2009/10 and 2010/11 killed or severely damaged almost every palm left outside in the elements. However, this palm seems to have survived better than most. If you're determined to have a palm and leave it outside, this is the one.

To get the best out of this plant, put it in a sheltered and sunny-ish position and in well drained and fertile soil. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer in spring.

Many people grow this palm in a pot so it can be taken indoors when the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius. Almost any plant of this size that is grown in a pot needs watering and feeding regularly.

You will almost certainly get some wind damage and frost damage making the leaves look brown on the edges. This is not necessarily a reflection of the health of the plant. During the growing season you can trim the leaf edges with sharp scissors and you can remove whole leaves and old flowering spikes as near to the trunk as possible with secateurs.

Don't try to propagate this unless you can maintain a very warm environment for a lengthy period for its seeds and seedlings.

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