Trachycarpus princeps
stone gate palm
A fan palm with large, evergreen leaves up to 60cm across, waxy-white underneath, and divided into as many as 48 narrow segments. The trunk may retain a loose, fibrous covering of old leaf bases, or these may fall away. Flowering is sparse but mature specimens produce large, branched, yellow-brown clusters of small flowers followed by small, yellow fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Brown | Brown Yellow | Green | |
| Autumn | Grey Silver Brown | Green | Yellow | |
| Winter | Grey Silver Brown | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Arecaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Trachycarpus are dioecious evergreen palms with stout, solitary stems bearing rounded leaves palmately divided into linear segments, with pendulous panicles of small flowers followed on female plants by globose fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or lightly dappled shade. Needs protection from strong or cold, drying winds, strong sunlight when young, and hard, winter frosts. Can also be grown as a conservatory or warm glasshouse specimen. See palm cultivation outdoors and palm cultivation indoors
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
Cut off old leaves close to the trunk
Pests
Generally pest-free outdoors; may be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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