Compact Windmill Palm – Trachycarpus Wagnerianus

Trachycarpus wagnerianus (Dwarf Chusan Palm) – This fan palm is similar in appearance to the Windmill Palm, Trachycarpus fortunei but its overall appearance is more dainty and many think it the best Trachycarpus for general cultivation. Trachycarpus wagnerianus has small (~2 feet wide), stiff, deeply-cut dark green leaves that are rounded in outline and held on shorter petioles than T. fortunei, which gives the plant an overall more compact look. Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil. It is very hardy, tolerating temperatures to 1°F.

Gardeners in cool regions can rejoice because waggie palms have great tolerance to wind and snow loads. Growing waggie palms is a perfect choice where cold conditions might harm its popular cousin T. fortunei. Trachycarpus wagnerianus has a slow rate of growth and can achieve 10 feet in height at maturity. Caring for waggie palm trees is easy due to their compact, stout stature and adaptability to drought, cold and even coastal salt exposure. There is even a large specimen growing in Iceland. Waggie palms have broad green leaves with silvery undertones. It is a slightly smaller plant than T. fortunei, but the leaves do not tatter as much in the wind and the natural form has an appealing almost bonsai-like appearance even when young, which it retains at maturity.