Windmill Palm

Cold-Hardy Tropical Look

The Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is the most cold-hardy palm available for San Antonio, tolerating temperatures into the teens. Its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and hairy trunk bring instant tropical appeal to pools, patios, and entryways. Alfaro Tree Sales stocks Windmill Palms at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

½–1 ft/yr
Growth Rate
15–25 ft
Mature Height
Good
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth
½–1 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Cold Hardy
Cold Hardy Palm

Cold Hardy

The Windmill Palm is the most cold-hardy palm for San Antonio, handling temperatures down to 10–15°F — well below our typical winter lows. It sailed through recent hard freezes with minimal damage.

Most cold-hardy palm for SA Tropical look year-round Compact footprint Available at our 40-acre nursery

Windmill Palm vs. Mexican Fan Palm

Two popular poolside options for San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Windmill Palm

Growth Rate½–1 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height15–25 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForPoolside, Accent

Mexican Fan Palm

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
DroughtGood
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
WaterModerate
Best ForShade

Growth Timeline

Expected growth after planting.

4 ft
Planting
6 ft
Year 5
7 ft
Year 10
Full form
8 ft
Year 20+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water regularly during the first growing season. Moderate water needs once established; supplement during extended drought.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils. Light balanced fertilizer in spring after year 1.

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Best done in late winter (January–February).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal for establishment before summer heat.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
½–1 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–25 ft
Canopy Spread
6–10 ft
Foliage
Evergreen
Foliage
Evergreen
Native Range
China
Soil
Any / Well-Drained
Best For
Poolside, Accent
Category
Poolside
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Windmill Palms grow ½–1 ft/yr in San Antonio under good conditions.

Moderately. They benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Mature size is typically 15–25 ft tall with a 6–10 ft spread.

They thrive in any / well-drained soils, which matches most San Antonio properties.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols.

We offer Windmill Palms in various sizes. Available at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro. Request a free quote.

Windmill Palms are excellent for poolside, accent in the San Antonio area.