Palms In The Northwest

I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck
Emma Goldman 1869-1940
Championed women's equality, free love, workers' rights, free universal education regardless of race or gender

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Windmill Palm’

If you were wondering if you could grow palm trees in the Pacific Northwest—yes you can!

Windmill Palms are a classic palm in the Pacific Northwest. They are cold-hardy to 10 degrees and short drops to zero degrees. Windmill Palms thrive in zones 7 to 11. Their trunk is covered in fur and acts like an insulation to protect the interior from the cold. Moderately fast growing to 18’ tall in 10 years.

If they are newly planted in the fall, when the weather starts to drop, it’s a good idea to wrap them with burlap and tie up the fronds/leaves. The crown, or the top of its trunk, is the most susceptible to the danger of frost.

In warm southern climates, Windmill Palms prefer partial shade to full shade, but as you go further north they can tolerate full sun. So, here in the Pacific Northwest we can enjoy them in full afternoon sun.

Windmill Palms are widely used in the United Kingdom, so they fit well in English style gardens. They also work well in contemporary, tropical, and Mediterranean style gardens. Windmill palms are also wind and salt tolerant, so look fabulous in coastal gardens. And, they are easily maintained—just trim off the dead and damaged fronds and water once or twice weekly.

If your desire is to have the look of a lush garden, consider Windmill Palms.