About
A slow-growing, tropical evergreen shrub or tree, with upright, palm-like stems, reaching up to 15m high in its native range but usually much smaller in cultivation. Leaves are leathery, lance-shaped and clustered at the tips of the stems, and can grow to be over 1m long. Mature plants sometimes produce long clusters of small, scented greenish-white flowers, which open at night, and are followed by round, dark purple-black berries.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Houseplants
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
CultivationGrow in a moist but free-draining potting mix, in full sun. Plants will not tolerate frost, and are usually grown as houseplants, in a greenhouse or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Water moderately in the growing season, preferably with rainwater, and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly. Keep almost dry in winter. See Dracaena and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown at 18-20°C in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late spring to early summer; bottom heat may be required for rooting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free