About

Cordyline 'Torbay Red' is a compact evergreen tree characterized by a sturdy trunk topped with a cluster of leathery, bronze-red, sword-like leaves that can reach lengths of up to 75 cm. As the plant matures, it produces large clusters of small, fragrant cream flowers.

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
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade
Pruning
Not usually pruned
Propagation
Propagate from suckers
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to Cordyline slime flux