Cordyline Australis is a shrub looking like a palm tree, but it can survive cold climate. Known also as New Zealand cabbage tree, this plant is just perfect for people living in northern areas who would like to have tropical garden. That’s why this plant became so popular, a palm that can survive snow.
If you decide to plant it in your garden, keep in mind it doesn’t like to be near other plants, but it would like to be on the sun. If you live near the ocean, it will grow successfully, because it likes warm ocean winds. Rain is another thing this plant adores.
The tree is blooming every other year, and those flowers have strong, sweet odor. Lots of insects will be attracted to it. Hard berries in the autumn will be eaten by birds, digested and left around. Many of those seeds will become new plants, especially if the soil is appropriate.
You can successfully grow this shrub yourself. You need few of those seeds, some compost and a small pot. Seeds need everyday watering, and the easiest way is to put them into a plastic bag when you plant them in the pot, to preserve the moisture. If you already have this plant, collect berries and save them till spring, in some dry and cool place.
The plant should be few feet tall before moving it to your garden. Keep in mind that its root is very delicate, and if you make any damage, you could kill your plant. Carefully put the whole thing in the soil. Once planted, the shrub shouldn’t be moved again, due to this fragile root.
Well, if your winters are extremely cold, it would be better to keep the plants inside. You could keep them in some enclosed patio, greenhouse or in your home if your ceilings are high enough. Maybe older plants would survive colder winters, but young ones won’t. You can tell if your plants are damaged by frost or cold wind, because there will be spots on their leaves.
At the same time, those plants enjoy lots of sun, but heat can be dangerous if they don’t have enough water. They like good drainage sandy soil, and you should fertilize them with appropriate liquid fertilizer once a month, but only during vegetation period. If you aren’t sure which product to use, ask your florist for advice.
With good soil and appropriate care, those plants will bloom regularly. You can shape your tree with pruning, or remove some flowers. It’s quite simple, just remove old leaves and flowers. Removing the growing point before spring arrives will shape your plant differently, making more stems.
Cordyline Australis Atropurpurea and Cycas Revoluta (Cycas) are just some of the popular types of this plant. Colored leaf variations aren’t as resistant as green ones, and you should have them in your home, not in your garden. At least not during cold winters. You can keep them in compost filled pots and carry them out in spring.
Beautiful bronze and purple leaves are very appealing, and they will really make your garden looking great. Plant them in spring, if it is possible, so they could adapt to new environment conditions. Cordyline Australis is a beautiful, tropical looking plant that will add some value to your garden and to your home. Protect it during winter using appropriate wrappers and place mulch around them to protect the root.