Trachycarpus fortunei is robust, resilient and even hardy. This means that the Chinese hemp palm is not only suitable for the pot, but also for the garden bed. But it rarely survives without winter protection. First and foremost, the location is crucial!
How can you properly overwinter Trachycarpus fortunei?
In order to overwinter Trachycarpus fortunei successfully outdoors or in a pot, you should offer the palm trees ideal conditions: sheltered location, permeable soil, root protection with mulch if necessary and additional protective measures such as wrapping it in breathable fleece and, if necessary, attaching foil bags in case of rain.
Outdoor Challenges
Trachycarpus fortunei is hardy down to -10 °C. This makes it clear that not every region of our country can offer her a place that is conducive to survival. In addition, this type of palm tree is sensitive to moisture. Extreme cold and wet days are the two challenges that have to be overcome if the hemp palm is to be permanently in the garden.
Create a good starting position
First considerations for overwintering this palm should be made before it is planted. You should only dare to plant the hemp palm if you live in a mild region.
The best winter protection measure is an ideal location. It should be protected from the wind, with a favorable microclimate, such as that found close to a south-facing wall. A permeable soil, which if necessary has been optimized with larger amounts of coarse sand, helps against moisture. A drainage layer up to 15 cm high is also essential.
Take further protective measures
From late autumn onwards, Trachycarpus fortunei needs additional winter protection, especially when frost is approaching or countless rainy days follow one another.
- Cover the root area with a 30 cm thick layer of mulch
- ideal materials for this are straw, leaves and fir branches
- Bend palm fronds upwards
- tie loosely with coconut rope
- Fill gaps in the crown with dry straw
- then wrap the crown with breathable fleece (€12.00 on Amazon)
- If it rains for a long time, put a large foil bag over it
- For better ventilation, do not close the bottom of the bag
- Remove the bag as soon as the rainy season ends
- water occasionally on mild days or when there is clear frost
- Remove protective measures after the end of the frost period
Tip
If possible, use a light-colored fleece to wrap the crown, as dark-colored fabrics heat up too much in the sun.
Overwintering the hemp palm in the pot
In the pot, Trachycarpus fortunei is only hardy down to -5 °C because the root ball freezes more quickly. It should therefore hibernate in winter quarters. I show the plant surprisingly easily, as long as the space offered is frost-free.
- clear between the end of September and the beginning of October
- light and dark wintering possible
- Temperatures up to 20 °C are also permitted
- However, adjust the watering to the temperature
- Wintering ends in April or May depending on the weather
Tip
After a dark winter, the hemp palm should only be gradually acclimated to light, otherwise leaf burns can occur.
Overwinter potted plant outside
In mild regions, a potted plant can also be overwintered outside. Before the first frost, the bucket is wrapped thickly with insulating coconut mats and placed on Styrofoam. The crown is protected in the same way as described for the planted specimen. Also choose a protected place for the bucket, for example on a house wall.
