Cordyline australis (Cordyline, Cabbage tree)

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Plant description

Cordyline australis is a perennial plant with long, sword shaped leaves on a stout, grey trunk. It produces large panicles of flowers in spring and summer, which are sweetly perfumed. The flower spike can be up to a metre long. A landscaping favourite, as it is easy care and tolerant of neglect.

Cordylines are happy to grow underneath trees, as well as in full sun. Wet feet can cause root rot and fungal diseases, but cordylines are generally easy to grow. As they grow taller, the lower leaves can die off and become untidy, so these should be removed. They withstand dry conditions, though their growth will slow. Cordylines are frost and salt tolerant. They grow well in a wide range of soil types.

Cordylines were used by the Maori people for food, they would roast the rhizome. The leaves produce a tough fibre for ropes, mats and baskets.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: white, cream
Flowering season: spring summer

Scent

The flowers are sweetly scented

Plant size

Maximum height: 20 metres
Minimum height: 5 metres

Maximum width: 5 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: dry, moist, well-drained.

Clay: dry, moist, well-drained.

Sand: dry, moist, well-drained.

Soil pH: 5.5-7.5

Diseases

Root rot in very wet soil

Pests

Scale

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: not specified.

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