About
Cordyline australis 'Claret' is a vertical, minimally branched evergreen that can reach heights of up to 6 meters. Its leaves, which are shaped like swords, exhibit a deep burgundy hue and can grow as long as 60 centimeters, primarily emerging from the tips of the branches. During the summer months, established specimens generate clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that can extend to 1 meter in length. This plant is well-suited for container cultivation in its early stages and develops into an impressive architectural feature as it matures.
About the genus
Cordyline consists of evergreen shrubs or tree-like perennials that resemble palms. These plants feature clusters or tufts of long, narrow, leathery leaves and produce fragrant, cup-shaped flowers in terminal panicles, which are succeeded by small, round berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Young plants may require winter protection in very cold areas. See cordyline cultivation for further information
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, stem cuttings or removing suckers in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cordyline slime flux and honey fungus (rarely)