Cordyline australis

Agavaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees

CORDYLINE

Woody plants with swordlike leaves, related to yuccas and agaves but usually ranked with palms in nurseries and landscapes. Good next to swimming pools. As houseplants, prefer bright indirect light but tolerate low light; rarely bloom indoors. To keep indoor plants from getting too big, grow them in undersize pots and repot annually in fresh potting soil. Cordyline is often sold as Dracaena.

Cordyline australis

From New Zealand. Hardiest of cordylines, surviving to at least 15°F/°9°C. In youth, forms a fountain of narrow (2-5-in.-wide), 3-ft.-long leaves. Upper leaves are erect; lower ones arch and droop. In maturity, a tree to 20-30 ft. tall, 6-12 ft. wide, branching high on trunk; rather stiff looking (like Joshua tree, Yucca brevifolia). Fragrant, 1/4 -in. flowers in long, branching clusters in late spring.

For more graceful plant, cut back when young to force multiple trunks. Grows fastest in soil deep enough for big, carrotlike root. Used for tropical effects, with boulders and gravel for desert look, near seashore.

'Albertii'

Leaves are striped in soft green and cream, with a red midrib and pink edges.

'Pink Champagne'

A compact plant with narrow leaves edged with white and pink at the base.

'Red Star'

Narrow leaves of deep purplish red. Grows 8–10 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide. Good in containers.

'Sunrise'

Dark reddish pink leaveswith bright pink margins.