About

Cordyline australis multi-stemmed is an upright, branching evergreen that can reach heights of up to 8 meters. It features long, sword-shaped leaves that can grow up to 70 centimeters, primarily emerging from the ends of its branches. During the summer months, established specimens produce numerous small, creamy-white flowers grouped in dense clusters that can extend up to 1 meter in length.

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
Spreading branched
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, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants

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)