Other cordyline species

People are perhaps most familiar with the tropical cordylines commonly sold as Dracaena in garden centres and called ’Dragon’ or ’Ti’ trees. These are Cordyline terminalis, with long, quite thin leaves. C. fruticosa is another tropical species with brightly coloured, quite wide, foliage, growing only to 1m tall. As both require tropical growing conditions they are not part of the official collection although I do have some examples in the glasshouse.

As many of the other cordyline species are not fully hardy, they are not found in garden centres and sourcing these varieties has been more difficult and I am raising many from seed, hence the absence of some photos.

Cordyline pumilio
This is a super variety with very thin pale green leaves, edged in red. This variety flowered (May 06) with super scented tiny white flowers on delicate pink stems. This species is from North Island, New Zealand, and not thought to be hardy below 0oC and it is susceptible to over-wet soil.

 

 (Picture to come)

 

Cordyline baueri  syn. C. objecta
A wide leaf variety from Norfolk Island, north of New Zealand, this variety is not hardy. I am currently raising it from seed as it is difficult to find in the UK.
There is also a ’Bronze’ version with purple leaves.

 

Cordyline banksii
Hard to find, so I am raising this variety from seed. Seed needs stratifying at 5oC for 6 weeks before sowing. Seeds were sown in March are now 4cm high and being potted on (July)

 

 (Picture to come)

(Picture to come)

Cordyline indivisa
 One of the hardiest species of cordyline, these are common in S. Island, New Zealand, where they grow on mountain slopes. They have a reputation for being difficult to establish (and for being tender) so they are difficult to source. I am raising some from seed.
This species has wide dark green leaves that are noticebly shorter and wider than those of C. australis.

 
Cordyline kaspar
Bright green foliage and fast growing, this slightly tender species is proving easy to grow under glass. I am raising the bronze version from seed this year.