Palm in a pot outdoors: which hardy species and which pot?

A hardy palm can stay outside in a pot, but only if you choose the species and the pot with care. The Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is the most reliable choice: pick a pot at least 40 cm in diameter with a drainage hole, and give it extra protection in winter.

Which palm is hardy enough for a pot outdoors?

In the Netherlands the Chinese windmill palm is the palm most often grown outdoors. In open ground it tolerates serious frost, but a pot is more vulnerable than a garden bed: the roots sit all around in a limited amount of soil and cool down faster. Expect a palm in a pot to cope with less frost than the same palm planted in the garden.

A quick overview of the usual options:

• Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei): the best known hardy palm. It suits a pot if you wrap it in harsh winters or move it somewhere sheltered for a while.
• European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis): more compact and Mediterranean in character, but more sensitive to frost. Put it in a sheltered spot when frost is forecast.
• Canary Island date palm and coconut palm: not hardy. These palms belong indoors in winter, frost free and bright.

Always ask for the exact species name when you buy. The label "palm" alone says nothing about hardiness. For more on plants that can stay outside in a pot, read our article on which plants stay hardy in a pot outdoors.

What pot size does a palm need outdoors?

A young palm of 60 to 80 cm fits a pot of 40 to 50 cm in diameter. A palm of about 1.5 metres usually needs 60 cm across, and a larger trunk calls for a pot of 70 cm or more. Go generous rather than tight: plenty of soil insulates better against frost and dries out more slowly.

Think about stability too. A palm with a heavy crown in a narrow, light pot blows over easily in a storm, while a wide, heavy pot stands firmer. For moving such a pot later, see moving a heavy pot without hurting your back. More on sizes and materials for large pots is in a large outdoor plant pot: which size and material.

Terracotta, ceramic or plastic: which pot for a palm?

Terracotta and earthenware are porous. They breathe, and moisture evaporates faster. That suits a palm, which dislikes wet feet. Plastic holds moisture for longer, so the soil stays wet for a long time in a rainy winter. Not all terracotta is frost resistant. For year round outdoor use, always choose a frost resistant pot with a drainage hole. What that means exactly is explained in frost resistant pots: what does it actually mean.

Every piece from Masr Potten & Vazen is handmade, with hand set mosaic of hand cut glass pieces (tesserae), inspired by the Egyptian mosaic tradition. No two pots are identical, and small colour differences are part of handwork. A palm in a mosaic pot gives a terrace or entrance character straight away. Browse the collection of handmade mosaic pots for sizes from compact bowls to amphorae of about 120 cm.

How often should you water a palm in a pot?

In summer, water a palm regularly so the pot never dries out completely, but don't let the roots stand in water. The drainage hole must stay clear. Put the pot on pot feet or a raised base so excess water can drain away. In winter a palm needs far less water. A wet pot combined with frost is the most dangerous combination for the roots.

Feed the palm during the growing season with a suitable plant food, and only remove leaves that are truly brown and dry. Don't cut into the green, because a palm grows from its heart and recovers poorly from that.

How do you overwinter a palm in a pot safely?

In winter, place the pot against a sheltered wall, preferably on the south side, and raise it so the soil doesn't freeze to the ground. Wrap the pot in bubble wrap or hessian, and loosely tie the leaves together in hard frost. Above all, protect the crown from wet frost. Check the forecast with the KNMI so you know when extra protection is needed.

Dutch winters can be changeable. A mild spell followed by sudden frost is often more harmful than steady cold. If you want the pot to stay outside all year, also read our tips on overwintering a mosaic pot.

Does a palm in a pot suit a Mediterranean garden or a modern facade?

A palm in a pot works on a terrace, at an entrance or along a facade. The leaf shape is crisp and sculptural, so it suits both a Mediterranean and a modern garden. At an entrance, place two pots side by side for a calm look, or choose one large pot as the focal point. For more inspiration see setting up a Mediterranean garden.

Would you like the pot to match an existing colour or a company logo, for hospitality or an office, say? Custom work is possible in colour, model and size. A custom piece takes six to ten weeks on average from approval to delivery, with progress photos along the way. Ask for a no obligation quote and you will receive a proposal within two working days.