Trachycarpus Wagnerianus

Trachycarpus Wagnerianus - although known as the Miniature Chusan Palm Tree - and often fondly referred to as Waggies

Originating from Japan and Korea, this hardy palm is well used to surviving the typhoon season, so it copes well with exposed, windy positions. The leaves are much more rigid and compact than the very popular Trachycarpus Fortunei, also a hardy palm suited to growing outdoors in the UK. 

Trachycarpus Wagnerianus is one of the most beautiful of the palms that we are able to grow here in the UK and Ireland. Also known as Waggy, and Dwarf Chusan Palm, Trachycarpus Wagnerianus has its origins in Germany, where it was named by Ludwig Winter to honour his fellow horticulturalist, Albert Wagner. As it turns out, Wagner had imported a quantity of this more compact Trachycarpus from Japan; and eventually sold his entire inventory to Mr Winter. If you are seeking an exquisite specimen to bring an exotic style to your garden, Trachycarpus wagnerianus is certainly a specimen you should be adding.

The hardiest of palms grown in our region, Dwarf Chusan Palm will tolerate snow, frost, and temperatures down to -15OC. Even in the strongest winds, this cold tolerant palm will maintain its shape and appearance. Unlike many exotics, this offering is truly a low maintenance delight.

Waggies will grow to 5-6 metres in ultimate height, and about 2 metres in spread (over 50 years) ; and have a slow growth habit. They prefer full sun but can do well in partial shade exposures as well.  Provide a moist, rich, and well-drained soil media of near neutral, slightly acidic, or slightly alkaline pH.

One of the most prominent features of Trachycarpus Wagnerianus is their small, stiff leaves, making them much tougher than the ‘standard’ and larger Trachycarpus Fortunei. Another feature of the smallish leaves is that aside from their jaunty, attractive appearance, they do make it easier to accommodate when space is at a premium.

The popularity of this variety of Trachycarpus continues to grow across the UK and Ireland with its unique silhouette adding an outstanding architectural feature to your exotics. More compact than the Trachycarpus Fortunei and its markedly more hardy tolerance to our climate, this is an outstanding hardy palm to add to your garden space for this year.

Paramount Plants specialises in these tropical plants that are hardy enough for the UK climate.