About

Cordyline australis Pink Star ('Tus019'PBR) is a slow-growing evergreen that resembles a palm tree. It starts by developing a compact cluster of slender, lanceolate leaves that reach up to 1 meter in height and can spread to 80 centimeters in width. The leaves feature variegation with pink edges framing a deep burgundy center. As the plant matures, it may produce clusters of creamy-white flowers during the summer months.

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
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Palms, Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Architectural, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. See cordyline cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required. Old, dead leaves can be pulled away from the base
Propagation
Propagate by removing well-rooted suckers in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cordyline slime flux and honey fungus (rarely)