Description
First introduced to Europe in 1873 by Albert Wagner after discovering them growing in Japanese gardens. The Japanese preferred them to Trachycarpus fortunei because of their architectural form and perfection, even though they are considered a cultivar of Trachycarpus fortunei. They are not known in the wild , although large numbers have also been found in South Korea, a much inferior cultivar to the Japanese and subsequent European cultivar which is much stronger and resistant to wind and cold. These Korean cultivars have been finding their way into UK cultivation via dutch importers.
Today you can find mature palms in the UK although most were planted within the last 50 years as it was somewhat overlooked by British gardeners. Leonardslee gardens have some very old examples, this garden was planted in 1887.
Hardy in most parts of the UK, it is an easy and trouble free plant, and can be used to form the architectural structure of any tropical garden.
Best planted in the ground in a well drained spot , they are not fussy although will not appreciate poor drainage. Dig them into the ground with a mix of garden soil and organic matter , and make sure they are watered regularly during the first year. A common mistake is to not water them , they will need regular watering until the roots go down into the ground.
Unlike Trachycarpus fortunei , it has somewhat better potential as a pot palm as the leaves remain nicer for longer , although ultimately it will befall the same problem as Trachycarpus fortunei in that without periodic repotting the plant loses some of its vigour.
They are much better suited to windy locations ,the old Leonardslee specimens are almost 10 metres high and look perfect despite exposure, although a full blown coastal exposure may still be too much to cope with , the leaves can tear if subjected to too much exposure.
For pot plantings or full blown coastal exposure Chamaerops variations would be better choices.
Once planted , 2 or 3 dressings a year with a good Slow Release palm fertiliser is all thats needed to keep them healthy.
Luke Thurston –
I have two of these, had them since 2015, always green, always happy, I bubble wrap the trunks in winter for protection and keep them on during spring to keep the birds from robbing them for nesting material. Potted in large clay pots on a protected outside deck, normal potting compost, and general garden plant food gravel. Cant fault them. I will be buying more. Palms live outside all year round in Northamptonshire.
Keith Tidman –
Picked a monster waggie from Nigel back in 2012, quality is outstanding. Also have had quite a few of the smaller ones for growing on and they’re equally as good! Don’t consider going anywhere else, these cannot be beaten.
Mark –
I’ve got almost 30 palms now and other hardy tropical plants in my garden from smaller ones to large beautiful ones. Pretty much started building my palm collection a few years ago when I only had a couple, then I came across Nigel. Since then my garden has been transformed with lots of the hardy palms and all are doing great. I have waggies in pots and in the ground and they have grown loads in the last couple of years since planted, they look amazing. NEVER had a bad palm off Nigel. I can’t write a review on every plant I bought, id be here all day, but I can say that you won’t be disappointed! My whole garden is now full of not just palms but other tropical plants from Nigel, and if ever in doubt on how to care for them he is always happy to offer advice. My friends and parents now have their gardens filled with tropical plants and palms from Nigel and I would not go anywhere else to buy my palms. Everything is well priced and great quality you only need to shop around to see that you are getting a good deal! I had been stung by high prices for poor quality palms when I bought my very first one but since then I found hardy palms. Don’t normally write reviews but always read them!, so thought I would share my experience with you. You won’t be disappointed, well I wasn’t anyway just got to find space now for my next palm as Nigel has totally filled my garden front and back, :-).
declan-ogorman (verified owner) –
my Waggie arrived in perfect health the other day, now to think of where to plant her in my garden?? she is the 8th palm ive bought from Hardy Palms and all have been strong healthy specimens , many thanks Nigel and team.
Daryl Schiefersten (verified owner) –
My Waggie arrived in fantastic condition 24 hours after placing an order! cannot fault the service and would strongly recommend Nigel and his business.
Victor Murgatroyd (verified owner) –
Lovely waggie received today from Nigel, again great quality and great price, I will soon be back ordering something else! Would highly recommend
Phil Hunt (verified owner) –
I ordered 3 small palms which arrived yesterday. They arrived looking as if they had never been packed. They are excellent plants and I will be back for more.
Terence Ryall (verified owner) –
Have had four 9 ltr T. Wagnerianus so far this summer from Nigel and am about to order another two. They are lovely strong plants and this palm (established in the ground but not huge) survived last winter undamaged without any protection in a very exposed location. In my view this is one of the best palms for UK conditions even when quite young.
Josie Harrison (verified owner) –
My very first palm purchase and after doing some research online I decided to buy from Hardy Palms. I am thrilled with the 2 x 9ltr Waggies Nigel & the team have sent me. They were well packed and delivered in excellent condition. Lovely, well formed little palms that look robust and healthy. I live in Yorkshire so just hope they will survive the winter here. Many thanks for a very positive buying experience and I am certain this will not be my last purchase from Hardy Palms.
ANDEEMAWN (verified owner) –
Fantastic plant again, the 3rd palm I have ordered from hardy palms so far – each one has been well priced, delivered fast and healthy on arrival. I Only wish I had a bigger garden to cram more in!