Hi Sven

Does you have any knowledge when it comes to palm trees? I live in the very north of England where it is quite cold. Anyway, i bought a palm off a continental market held local. It is a fan palm but I am unable to say which type. Over the winter I tried to protect it from frost with a tree cover. I think this has done more damage than good - the fronds or branches have become brown and died off, and the trunk now seems to have a bit of mould growing on it which i have brushed off. It still seems firm - is it now dead or will it come back?

Thanks for your help

Corrina McCleary

Our Gardens Expert replies:

Hi Corrina

A fan palm could be any number of palms often sold under that name. These include Washingtonia, Chamaerop, and sometimes even Trachycarpus. All of which have different hardiness levels. I would assume that you have bought a Chamaerops humilis. They rarely ever grow above head height in this country and are really best given total winter protection to survive unless you live in the warmer south or in London. The reason it has pretty much died off is the fact that it has become far to cold - and to be honest, probably not worth pursuing - even if it does survive, the likelihood of it lasting another winter is pretty minimal! The best option is to buy another fan like palm called Trachycarpus fortunei or commonly the Chusan palm which is pretty much the hardiest palm you can get. Given a bit of shelter it will survive even down to -12C but the thing to watch out for is cold winds which will shred the leaves to bits so a sheltered spot is advised.

Good luck

Sven