By Jillyflower
United Kingdom 
I have been given a European Med Palm, large approx 5 ft high, with 4 large fronds, the trunk is covered in a thick husk. Would I be better to plant this in a container, or in the garden, can you advise what soil type please and general care, I am told it is hardy to - 15. Thank you j.
On plant
I think it is a Fortunei ? from what I have since read. Jilly
4 Jul, 2011
You haven't said where you are in the UK, but although this plant can be very hardy, they're often not, particularly when young. A mature specimen might withstand down to -15 deg. C, but I'd be surprised - when younger, they don't like anything below zero degrees, so for instance, if you'd planted one last summer, you'd have lost it last winter because the conditions were extreme. If you live in a colder region of the UK, you might be better planting in a pot so you can move it to a sheltered place for winter - use John Innes No. 2 or 3 potting compost mixed with multi purpose to make it lighter, or use perlite or vermiculite to reduce the weight of the John Innes.
This assumes you're talking about Chaemerops humilis, the mediterranean fan palm, and not Trachycarpus fortunei, which is much hardier.
4 Jul, 2011