Trachycarpus wagnerianus

Size: 0.4m tall in a 10 litre pot.
Common Name: Minature Chusan Palm.
Situation: Full sun, well-drained/light soil.
Eventual Height and Spread: 6m x 3m .
Hardiness: Hardy.

Do not be fooled by its name - the miniature chusan palm is by no means a diminutive plant.

The miniature portion of its moniker refers to the size of its leaves, which are slightly smaller than the average Trachycarpus palm tree fronds. Also known as the Trachycarpus wagnerianus, the miniature chusan palm shares many features with the Chusan palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), including a hairy trunk and tall stature.

It is one of the best options for coastal and exposed situations and is equally at home in a pot as a specimen plant or as a compact conservatory plant. In a tropical-themed planting area this palm tree works well amongst other hardy palms like the Jelly Palm (Butia capitata) and the Dwarf fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis), each adding architectural interest through their contrasting fronds.

Trachycarpus wagnerianus does best in well-drained or light soil and full sun. The miniature chusan palm will respond well to a monthly feed from mid-April to September, which helps to promote healthy, strong foliage. Very little pruning is needed for this palm tree, just a spring and autumn tidy-up of old tatty fronds.

Although its leaves may be smaller than the chusan palm, the miniature chusan palm will still have a similar effect on visitors to your garden - it will look truly striking and give even the most drab corner of a garden a truly exotic feel.