Trachycarpus wagnerianus

Description

Trachycarpus wagnerianus is a more compact stiffer leaved form of Trachycarpus fortunei the well known Chusan palm made popular by Japanese gardeners who prefered the smaller compact leaves. Rather strangely ‘Waggies’ as they are often called have not been found growing in the wild, leading suspicion into the possibility that they are infact just a variant of fortunei which when you look at a batch of seedlings do vary considerably. The ‘Waggy’ strain being selected and subsequently breed from until it became stable by ingenius Japanese gardeners many years ago, who knows, it certainly seems plausible. Whatever conclusion you come to Trachycarpus wagnerianus is an attractive palm especially when young and yes it can tolerate more exposure than regular Trachycarpus but I still wouldn’t plant it in an exposed windy position and expect it to be perfect especially if you near the coast, a chamaerops humilis would be better. Furthermore once mature I would argue that a good specimen Trachycarpus fortunei is more showy and can tolerate some wind too. 

So to sum up, a great highly ornamental palm, pretty hardy tolerating some exposure capable of growing in sun or shade and happy in a container remaining healthy for longer than a fortunei but still unltimately better when planted in the ground. 

• Eventual Size:Up to 4-5 metres in height, 2m spread.
• Position:Full sun to full shade but out of strong winds.
• Habit:Hairy brown trunk topped with dark green fan leaves.
• Soil:All soils, but avoid waterlogged areas drought tolerant once established.
• Common Names:Dwarf Chusan Palm and Waggy.