CORDYLINE australis

Evergreen - arching, lance-shaped to linear leaves 30-90cm (12-36in) long.

Height - 3-10m (10-33ft)

Spread - 1-4m (3-13ft)

Tall Shrub - palm-like tree branching sparingly with age. Mature trees bear tiny, creamy white flowers in broad panicles 1m (3ft) or more long followed by white or blue-tinted berries.

Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)

Full sun

Partial shade

Additional Features - Architectural interest

Good to know - wildlife plant - nectar for insects and berries for birds. Syn. Dracaena australis. Can be grown as specimen plants in borders or as courtyard plants in warmer areas. Develops a branched crown after first flowering.

Pests & Diseases - under glass - scale insects, red spider mites.

Place of origin - New Zealand.

Resistant to honey fungus - These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.

Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept

Sub-tropical / mediterranean

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Scented Plants - Scented flowers

Soil Conditions - Fertile well drained soil

Wildlife - Bee friendly

Bird friendly