Trachycarpus wagnerianus – Miniature Chusan Palm. This interesting small palm is reminiscent of a Trachycarpus fortunii, but more diminutive in foliage. It grows to a height of 3–7m, slowly at first, but after three to four years explodes into growth, especially in moist, rich soil and if well fed. It has small, stiff, pinnate dark green fan-shaped fronds up to 0.75m long on a mature plant, though more like 30cm long when juvenile. The leaf segments are edged with white woolly fibres. The leaves are so stiff, that they are unaffected by windy conditions, hence are excellent for exposed locations and also work well as container plants. Another excellent palm for temperate gardens.

Common Name: Minature Chusan Palm
Latin name: Trachycarpus wagnerianus
Tenderness Rating: Hardy down to at least -15C and works well in windy locations.
Ease of growing: Easy.
Position: Prefers full sun but will also grow well in dappled shade.
Soil Condition: Well drain neutral soil and responds well to a high nitrogen feed in the spring. Fast growing once established.

Description

Trachycarpus Wagnerianus

Trachycarpus Wagnerianus is also called Wagner’s fan palm but is commonly known as Windmill palm, Waggie, or Waggy is a cultivar of Trachycarpus fortunei species. It is a compact, slow-growing, hardy, evergreen palm plant that is native to China and Japan.

Wagner’s fan palm is domesticated and has not been found in the wild. It was introduced into Europe in 1873 by Albert Wagner and hence was named after him.

It is a slow-growing tree that remains small regardless of age and maturity, reaching heights barely above 10 feet. Its green leaves are stiff and pointed, growing with an upright habit on petioles attached to thick hairy trunks in a circular form. MORE: How fast do palm trees grow in the UK?

In early summer, Trachycarpus Wagnerianus produces long, dangling racemes of small, yellow, male or female flowers that are situated below the crown of leaves. The female flowers produce small, black fruits that are not edible.

Cultivation

Trachycarpus Wagnerianus doesn’t need much fussing as it will pretty much grow and thrive by itself with very little care. Younger plants need to be protected from extreme frost, which can be achieved by wrapping in horticultural fleece.

Trachycarpus Wagnerianus has no severe pest and disease problems and is extremely tolerant of wind and salt which is why it does well when planted in the UK and coastal regions. Pruning is not necessary but it can be done by removing the old palm fronds.

Soil

Trachycarpus Wagnerianus has no soil preference and will prosper in most soil types with good drainage. It tolerates most soil pH regardless of whether it is alkaline, acidic, or neutral.

Light and position

It has no specific light requirements and is okay in full sun or partial shade. It should also be planted in an east, west or south facing position.

Water

Waggie palm plants have low water requirements and although it is extremely drought resistant, watering them a little during drier periods when young will make them grow better. Overwatering can make the root rot.

Fertilisation

Feeding your plant monthly during its growing season is highly recommended. You can use a good, slow-release palm fertiliser. Mature trees should be fertilised more than their younger counterparts. The soil should be watered before you apply fertiliser to avoid root damage.

Trachycarpus wagnerianus – Miniature Chusan Palm