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Family description Cordyline.

Cordyline trees are generally considered extremely delicate plants, but they flourish in the South of England. Established plants will tolerate a reasonable amount of frost, but the real killers are usually cold wet roots, or a cold damp head. The plant grows on a single trunk that over time, often develops a distinct lean. Often, after flowering, the growing tip will divide producing a few short branches, each with their head of long thin leaves. Mature trees may develop into a classic lollypop shape. When these plants flower, the scent can pervade the entire garden giving rewards even when out of sight. Several plants may be positioned close together when small. This technique will force the trunks to grow away from each other and produce an impressive focal point for the garden.

General care.

Cordyline plants appreciate a fertile soil and a sunny position that is reasonably sheltered. Give them a good feed during the growing season, and before long they will reach flowering size. The dead leaves often remain attached to the trunk and there is some debate as to whether to remove them or not. These dead leaves hold considerable amounts of moisture, which in their native habitat is possibly a life saver, but our damp climate should provide all the plants requirements from the ground roots. I personally prefer to remove them to leave a clean trunk. Do not tug the dead leaves. If they do not come away easily, cut them off close to the trunk. After falls of snow during winter months, gently brush off any accumulated snow from the crown as this is a vulnerable point. Red spider mites can be a problem with Cordyline trees, particularly when grown in containers. Normally, the plant will withstand their attacks without too much bother.

Notes on Toxicity or Culinary usage.

Inner pithy fibres of the trunk can be dried and cooked into porridge and the stems are sweet. Beer or wine is made from decotions of the roots. The very strong fibres in the leaves are used in craftwork for baskets and suchlike.

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Species description. Cordyline australis.

Cabbage palms are slow growing, but they do grow, and may attain a height of 5 or 6 metres within a reasonable time. When planting, make sure the site is sufficiently spacious to cope with plants of this size otherwise you may find it difficult to open the windows. If your garden is too small, try planting one or two in large tubs for the patio. The leaves are not nasty like Yucca or Agaves, but are tough enough to handle grief received from small children. These are fairly hardy plants but protect from frost during their first winter. If planted early in the summer, they will have made substantial new roots by wintertime and should be better able to cope with the rigours of our climate.

Display characteristics for Cordyline australis.

• Plant type: Monocotyledon. Evergreen
• Habit: Erect
• Type: Tree. Shrub.
• Height: 12.00 mtr.
• Spread: 4.00 mtr.
• Attractive to wildlife: None
• Preferred soil type: Clay. Chalk. Gravel. Loam. Sand. Silt.
• Soil moisture requirement: Medium
• Soil ph: Undefined
• Suitable position: Open ground. Border. Container.
• Light requirements: Full sun. Part sun.
• Summer water requirements: Low
• Winter water requirements: None
• Minimum temperature: 0 °c
• Safe Minimum temperature: 0 °c
• Safe Maximum temperature: 0 °c
• Maximum temperature: 0 °c
• Wind tolerance: High
• Salt tolerance: High
• Drought tolerance: High
• Waterlogging tolerance: Low
• Toxicity-Edibility: Ethnic foodstuff. Use with caution.
• Bloom attributes: Fragrant flower.
• Foliage attributes: Showy display.
• Berry attributes: Attracts wildlife.
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