About
Dracaena draco, the dragon tree, is a slow-growing, sparsely branched, evergreen tree forming a distinctive, wide-spreading, flat-topped crown � one of the most iconic trees of the Canary Islands. Terminal rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves to 60 cm long; on mature plants, loose, branching clusters of greenish-white flowers appear in summer, followed by orange-red fruits. The red resin, known as 'dragon's blood', has been used medicinally and as a dye for centuries.
About the genus
Dracaena are evergreen trees and shrubs with few branches bearing linear to lance-shaped leaves often crowded towards the tips. On mature plants, small greenish-white flowers may be followed by orange or red berries. Bold and architectural plants for conservatories, frost-free gardens and as houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMacaronesia, Morocco
FragranceFlower
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light and shade from hot sun and with moderate humidity. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to autumn and keep just moist in winter. If growth is weak, plants can be cut back to within 15cm of the base in spring. Tolerant of low light levels indoors. See Dracaena for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 18 to 21°C in spring or root semi-hardwood cuttings and leafless stem sections in spring with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free