The windmill palm, also known as the Chusan palm, Trachycarpus is a tropical plant from China, Japan  and S. E. Asia. Even though it is the hardiest of the palms it can only be grown without protection in Zones 8A to 11 although it has been reported to more cold-tolerant (to about 8-10°) in sheltered locations. 

This palm is best grown in partial shade although it will tolerate full sun if kept well-watered. It can be grown in a large range of soils from sandy to clay and will tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions. In Zones 5 to 7 this palm should be protected from the cold. The trunk can be wrapped in burlap and the leaves can be gathered together in a bunch and wrapped in fleece cloth, burlap or cloth. Keep the plant in these conditions for as short a time as possible. Do not use plastic sheets to cover the palm. Some keen gardeners build a wooden frame around the tree to hold a protective covering and even go so far as to wrap Christmas lights around the trunk.

This article provides useful information on the Windmill palm:

http://www.sunpalmtrees.com/Cold-Hardy-Palm-Trees-Windmill-Palms.htm

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information