About
Cordyline australis 'Red Comet' is an upright, evergreen tree that can reach a height of 6 meters. It features elongated, sword-like leaves that are burgundy red and can grow up to 70 centimeters in length at the ends of its branches. During the summer months, established specimens produce numerous small, creamy-white flowers clustered densely, extending up to 1 meter long. This cultivar is suitable for container gardening while young and develops into a prominent architectural tree 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 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)