Trachycarpus fortunei 'Frosty'

Origin and background

Trachycarpus fortunei is native to south-central China and northern Myanmar. 'Frosty' is a seed-raised line developed in northern Europe from selected parent plants.

Growing 'Frosty'

• Position: A sunny or lightly shaded outdoor spot with open light around the crown suits 'Frosty'.
• Humidity & wind: Typical outdoor humidity works well for 'Frosty'. Give the palm some shelter where strong winds are frequent so the fan segments stay in good condition.
• Watering: Give the soil a deep soak once the surface starts to dry. Potted plants need more frequent checks during hot or windy weather.
• Cold: Established plants in sheltered, freely drained soil can withstand roughly −15 to −10 °C. Insulate exposed roots in pots during prolonged severe frost.
• Soil: Use fertile soil that drains freely. Containers need a coarse mix and clear drainage holes.
• Feeding: Apply a slow-release palm feed at the label rate while new fronds are growing.
• Pot-grown plants: Move to a deeper, sturdier pot when roots pack the current container, the plant becomes unstable or the mix starts drying unevenly.
• Propagation: Grow 'Frosty' from seed.

Troubleshooting 'Frosty'

• Crown wilting, fibre dust or lines of holes appear: Palm moth damage is possible in affected regions. Report suspected damage promptly to your local plant-health authority and follow its guidance.
• The fan leaves become frayed: Repeated wind exposure is tearing the narrow segments. Move the palm to a calmer position or add shelter around the crown.
• Expanding brown marks appear on the fronds: Leaf spot is a likely cause. Remove the worst affected leaves, keep irrigation off the foliage and maintain airflow through the crown.
• Yellowing develops on older fronds while the soil is damp: The roots are short of air. Extend the drying time, improve drainage and remove soft rotten tissue using a clean, disinfected tool.
• Pests gather around the leaf bases: Look for aphids and small brown scale insects. Clear visible pests first, then use a labelled treatment and follow its repeat directions.

If you need help identifying a problem, send us clear photos of the whole plant and the affected area. Include the soil or potting mix around the roots.

Trachycarpus fortunei ‘Frosty’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Trachycarpus fortunei: name and meaning

Trachycarpus combines Greek trachys, meaning rough, with karpos, meaning fruit. The epithet fortunei honours Scottish plant collector Robert Fortune.

Hermann Wendland established the genus Trachycarpus in 1861 in Bulletin de la Société Botanique de France, volume 8, page 429.

William Jackson Hooker first described it as Chamaerops fortunei in 1860 in Botanical Magazine, volume 86, plate 5221. Hermann Wendland later placed it in Trachycarpus as Trachycarpus fortunei in 1861 in Bulletin de la Société Botanique de France, volume 8, page 429.