About
An erect evergreen shrub to 4m, with long, sword-shaped, recurved, dark green leaves, finely edged reddish-brown.
About the genus
Dracaena are evergreen trees, the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMadagascar
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
CultivationIn frost-prone areas grow under glass in a well-drained, peat-free, loam-based compost. Provide full light with some protection from hot, direct sunlight. See Dracaena and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningRequires little regular pruning, although weak stems may be shortened to 15cm (6in) in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed at 18-21C or (64- 70F) or from semi-ripe and hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceSusceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects when grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free