Miniature Chusan palm

Palm · Tree

Trachycarpus wagnerianus

Miniature Chusan palm

Also known as: Trachycarpus fortunei 'Wagnerianus', Trachycarpus fortunei var. wagnerianus

A compact, wind-resistant windmill palm with small, stiff, neatly pleated fan leaves.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • H5 · Zone 7
  • May–June
  • Evergreen
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Overview

Known only from cultivation in Japan and China, this close relative of the Chusan palm has much smaller, stiffer leaves edged with fine white hairs when young. Because the leaves are rigid they resist tearing, making it a far better choice than Trachycarpus fortunei for windy or coastal gardens. It is just as hardy, coping with about -15°C once established, and grows slowly into a neat trunked palm that suits courtyards and large containers.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 4–8 m (13–26 ft)
Spread 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Hardiness H5 · Zone 7
Flowers May–June
Soil Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Tree-like, Upright
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -15°C (5°F)
pH Range 5.5–8
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Exposed sites
  • Wind
  • Coastal

Soil Tolerance

  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Evergreen
Colour Dark green, Green
Leaf shape / texture palmate_fan
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering May Jun
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Fruiting Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Mar Apr May

How to propagate

One way to grow more Miniature Chusan palm: the usual steps for each method.

From seed Mar–May Easy

You'll need: Seed compost, a seed tray or small pots, labels, and a clear lid or plastic bag.

  1. Fill a tray or pots with seed compost, level it and firm it gently.
  2. Water the compost and let it drain.
  3. Sow the seeds thinly on top. Cover them with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite about as deep as the seed is big; leave tiny seeds uncovered.
  4. Label them, cover with a clear lid or bag, and keep them somewhere bright but out of hot sun.
  5. Keep the compost just moist, and take the cover off once seedlings appear.
How long
Usually comes up in 1 to 3 weeks.
It's worked when
Seedlings with their first pair of leaves.
Then
When each has its first true leaves, prick them out into their own small pots, holding them by a leaf, never the stem. Harden them off for a week or two before planting out.

Sow fresh seed in warmth; seedlings grow slowly. It hybridises freely with T. fortunei, so seed from mixed plantings may not come true.

Garden Design

Works well in: Japanese / Zen, Mediterranean, Modern / Contemporary, Tropical / Exotic

The best Trachycarpus for exposed, windy or seaside gardens and roof terraces. Its compact crown suits small courtyards and big pots where a full-size Chusan palm would be too large.

Companion planting: Phormiums, Ornamental grasses, Agaves, Hardy succulents

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Shelter