It is also called the Chinese fan palm and the Chusan palm. The windmill palm tree is one of the hardiest palm trees you can find. It is one of the few palms that can survive freezing temperatures (down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit). Some or all of the sun is best for windmill palm trees, and they like acidic to neutral soil that is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
With their unique windmill-shaped fronds and ability to thrive in partial shade, windmill palm trees make a striking addition to landscapes across the Southern United States. But how quickly do these palms reach their mature size? Here, we will explore the growth rate and lifespan of windmill palms to help you determine if these trees are right for your yard.
Overview of Windmill Palm Trees
Windmill palm trees, also known as Trachycarpus fortunei are native to China and Japan. They feature a thick hairy trunk topped by a crown of stiff, fan-shaped fronds that give the tree its signature windmill silhouette.
While windmill palms can grow up to 40 feet tall in ideal conditions, they are commonly pruned to a more manageable 10-20 feet for residential landscapes. Their adaptability to various soils, climates, and sunlight conditions makes them a popular choice.
Windmill Palms are Slow Growers
One of the appealing qualities of windmill palm trees is their relatively slow growth rate. On average, these palms only grow about 6-12 inches per year. This makes them ideal for homeowners who want a trees that won’t quickly outgrow their space.
By comparison, faster growing palm varieties like the Mexican fan palm can shoot up by 3-5 feet annually So in just a few years, windmill palms will be significantly shorter than faster growing options planted at the same time.
The slow growth of windmill palms also makes them easier to maintain. You won’t have to prune them as often to control their height. And slow growers generally require less frequent fertilization and watering once established.
Factors Affecting Windmill Palm Growth Rate
While windmill palms typically only grow about a foot per year, their exact growth rate can be influenced by several factors:
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Age – Windmill palms grow most rapidly when young, before slowing down as they mature. A juvenile windmill palm may grow closer to 2 feet per year, while a mature specimen may barely grow 6 inches annually.
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Climate – Windmill palms grow faster in warm climates that do not experience winter freezes. Colder climates limit their growth rate.
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Sun Exposure – Windmill palms grow best with partial sun. Too much shade will slow their growth.
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Soil & Water – Rich, moist soil and ample water, especially when young, fuels faster growth. Poor soil and drought conditions stunt development.
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Pruning & Damage – Severe pruning or storm damage forces windmill palms to expend energy recovering rather than growing.
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Fertilization – Regular fertilization with a palm specific formula encourages a slightly faster growth rate.
Windmill Palm Growth Timeline
To give you a better idea of what to expect with your windmill palm, here is an approximate timeline for a windmill palm planted from a 3-gallon nursery container:
- Year 1 – 12-24 inches of growth
- Year 2 – 12-18 inches of growth
- Year 3 – 8-12 inches of growth
- Year 4 – 8-10 inches of growth
- Year 5 – 6-8 inches of growth
- Year 10 – 4-6 inches of growth
So you can expect your windmill palm to reach around 4-5 feet tall after 5 years. It will take at least 10 years for it to achieve 10 feet in height.
Of course, growth rates vary. But this provides a rough estimate of the windmill palm’s moderately paced development.
Achieving Desired Windmill Palm Height
With their stately tropical look but restrained growth habit, windmill palms add drama without overwhelming a landscape. To achieve your ideal windmill palm height:
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Select a young palm no more than 5 feet tall if you need it to remain under 15 feet long term.
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For a 20 foot windmill palm, start with an 8-10 foot specimen.
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Prune each spring, removing no more than 20% of fronds to control height.
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Provide ideal growing conditions to maximize growth rate.
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Be prepared to wait 5+ years for significant increases in height.
Mature Windmill Palm Lifespan
In addition to their pokey growth rate, windmill palm trees also have a long lifespan. With proper care, they can live 100 years or longer in landscape settings.
Their slow development and long life make windmill palms ideal long-term investments. Once established, they require minimal care while adding beauty and a tropical flair for decades to come.
Windmill Palms Offer Gradual Growth
Windmill palm trees earn their reputation as slow growers, averaging just a foot per year once established. For homeowners seeking a stately palm with a measured growth rate, the windmill palm is an excellent option. Allow 10+ years for these palms to reach mature height, then enjoy their graceful beauty for years to come.
Soil
That being said, the windmill palm tree can grow in a lot of different types of soil as long as it drains well. It does not like to have wet feet. The leaves are pretty fragile, so it’s best to put it somewhere out of the way of strong winds, which could tear the leaves apart.
Potting and Repotting Windmill Palm Trees
You can also bring the windmill palm inside and grow it in pots. It grows so slowly that it will take many years before it needs more room. Choose a container that contains ample drainage holes. As it grows, transplant it to the next size container. Heres how to transplant to a larger container:
- Use equal parts of potting mix, peat moss, and compost. Fill the new container halfway.
- Take the tree out of its old pot, loosen the roots, and place the root ball in the middle of the new pot.
- Cover it with soil, tamp it down, and fill in the sides. Make sure the root ball is at the same level as it was in the old container.
If you want to grow windmill palm trees outside in pots, keep in mind that they won’t be as protected from cold weather as palms that are planted in the ground. The ground insulates the roots while the container exposes the roots to colder temperatures.
One good thing about a container is that you can bring it inside if it gets too cold for the plant. Putting the plant on wheels will make it easier to move if it is in a big pot.
How Fast Do Windmill Palm Trees Grow?
FAQ
How to make a Windmill Palm grow faster?
How long does it take a Windmill Palm to grow?
Do Windmill Palms like full sun or shade?
Where is the best place to plant a Windmill Palm?
How fast does a windmill palm grow?
The Windmill Palm is known for its slow growth, averaging around 10-15 inches in height per year, ultimately reaching a maximum height of 25 feet. Adequate moisture in the soil can accelerate its growth and enhance its appearance. It’s advisable to increase watering during the warm months and reduce it during the cooler winter months.
How do you grow a windmill palm tree?
The best way to propagate windmill palm trees is to use palm seeds to propagate new trees. Stem cuttings are not a reliable method. Here’s how to sow the seeds: Remove the fleshy seed coat and soak the seeds in water for several days. Plant seeds, as deep as they are wide, in rich, potting medium mixed with peat moss.
How big does a windmill palm get?
A windmill palm can get as big as 40 feet, but most homeowners keep theirs to a height of 10–20 feet. How fast do windmill palms grow? Windmill palms grow at a slow rate of less than 8 inches per year.
How to grow Windmill palms from seeds?
It may help to wrap the container with a clear plastic bag to encourage moisture and warmth. Also, it’s important to make sure that the seeds receive ample amounts of light. The best time to propagate windmill palms from seeds is during the winter or early spring. Begin growing indoors and in the summer, the young trees can be moved outdoors.
Do windmill palm trees need full sun?
Windmill palm trees prefer a semi-shade or shady location but will tolerate full sun in more northern climates. As long as there is good drainage, the windmill palm tree will grow in most soil conditions and pH levels. It does not like to have wet feet.
Can windmill palm be grown indoors?
Windmill palm can also be grown indoors in pots; it grows slow enough that it will be many years before it outgrows the space. Choose a container that contains ample drainage holes. As it grows, transplant it to the next size container. Here’s how to transplant to a larger container: Use equal parts of potting mix, peat moss, and compost.