If they were to award a Gold Medal for the most recommended and probably the most popular palm ever, then I’m sure that Trachycarpus Fortunei would win it hands down.
Since its introduction into the U.K. by plant hunter Robert Fortune, it’s stature and popularity has spiraled ever upwards, the only break (a very long one) being when growing palms and other exotics went out of fashion in the early 1900’s.
Here in the U.K; the late 1980’s saw a renewed interest in growing palms and there again was T.Fortunei blazing the trail for all the other palm species that have graced our shores since.
I think I can safely say that T.Fortunei has set the standard by which all other palms are judged.
Its hardiness and ease of growth are legendary, it’s one of the easiest species to grow from seed and in my experience, it isn’t temperamental like many of the “new” palm species.
As a starter palm it cannot be faulted the only problem is, that you might think that all palms are this easy to grow but sadly they’re not. (Some are right stroppy.)
A mark of its popularity, is that nowadays it’s grown throughout the temperate world with only the tropics seeing its onward march come to a halt.
Before I finish this section, I’d like to point out that despite all the glowing words you’ll read about T.Fortunei, it does have an “Achilles Heel” the wind!
Strong winds can do quite a bit of damage to the leaves of T.Fortunei leaving them looking pretty ragged.
So, if you’ve got the kind of garden that is torn by gale force winds then you’ll need to find a very sheltered spot or grow an alternative like T.Wagnerianus or T.Takil both of which are excellent palms and pretty easy to grow.
For actually planting out your palm, I'd refer you to my blog Palms!planting out your treasures.
When it comes to siting your plant, T.Fortunei is very accomodating being happy in sun or lght shade.
Give it a well drained site enriched with plenty of well rotted manure, lots of water and fertilizer during the growing season and you won't go far wrong.
T.Fortunei also makes an excellent pot or tub plant.
Here again, it isn't to fussy and a rich, well drained mix of J.I.no2/3 with fertilizer granules, supplementery watering and feeding and a mulch to top of the pot, will give you a really stunning palm. Posted by Mike.