Cordyline australis, the New Zealand palm tree
Cordyline australis
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9a (-6.7°C ≤ T° < -3.9°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Cordyline
- Species
- Cordyline australe Cordyline australis
Other names:Dracaena australis, Dracaenopsis australis, Terminalis australis
In New Zealand, Cordyline australis grows everywhere. It can be found at the edge of forests, on riverbanks and even in swamps. Back home, this palm-like plant is grown in the open on the coast and in pots in less hospitable locations.
How to recognize Cordyline australis?
Cordyline australis is an upright tree-like plant. In its natural habitat, it can reach 20 meters in height. In our latitudes, it grows to a maximum height of six meters when planted in the ground, and two meters when grown in pots.
In its early years, Cordyline australe is no more than a trunk topped by a tuft of leaves. It then branches out into numerous branches, each bearing a crown of leaves. The stipe of mature specimens is gray and spongy, measuring up to two meters in diameter.
The thick blades are sword-shaped. Long and narrow, they are between 40 centimetres and one metre long. The botanical variety has green foliage. However, pink Cordyline 'Red Star) or variegated Cordyline 'Torbay Dazzler') cultivars are also available.
Flowering occurs in summer. Cordyline australis is adorned with huge panicles, up to a metre long. They contain rosettes of fragrant white flowers.
In autumn, these are replaced by oval, white berries.
Cordyline australe is not a poisonous plant. Birds love its fruit, and its nectar attracts pollinating insects.
Our care tips
Cordylines australis like the sun. But they can't stand the hottest rays. Variegated varieties are particularly sensitive. Keep this in mind when setting up your plant in its final location.
Watering
Water the base of your Cordyline australis when the soil has dried by about three centimetres. Your plant likes rainwater, but will also tolerate mains water.
Don't let water stagnate in the planter or saucer. It will rot the roots.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Cordyline australis to give it more space.
Obtain a pierced pot larger than the root ball. Choose a terracotta model. This material optimizes drainage and limits the risk of root rot in the event of excess water.
Fill the bottom with clay balls or gravel.
Then add a layer of universal or Mediterranean potting soil. Plant your Cordyline australe in the center. Fill in with substrate. Do not bury the collar.
Tamp and water to remove air bubbles. You can mulch the base with a mineral material to keep the soil cool.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Cordyline australis, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
To promote growth and the appearance of new leaves, give your Cordyline australe green plant fertilizer.
To promote the growth of your Cordyline australis, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Place a little compost at the foot of your Cordyline australe to enrich the soil and accelerate growth.
Prune
Cut dry leaves with clean, sharp pruning shears.
Planting
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Choose a location sheltered from the wind. The location must be sunny. But, if you live in a region where the sun is scorching in summer, avoid a south-facing exposure.
While the rootball of your Cordyline australe is soaking, dig a hole three times as big. Line the bottom with river sand, pebbles or gravel to improve drainage.
Mix equal parts garden soil and universal potting soil. Add a layer of substrate.
Plant your plant. The rootball should be level with the ground and the collar should not be buried. Fill in with your mix of potting soil and garden soil.
Water generously and mulch with crushed slate or gravel. This mineral mulch keeps the soil cool in summer and protects it from the cold in winter.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a young shoot and carefully separate it from the mother plant. Take care to remove its roots without damaging the rest of the root system.
Pour potting soil into a bucket. Plant your cutting in the center.
Cover with a transparent bag or place in a mini greenhouse. Propagation works best under cover. Set up in a bright room with a temperature of at least 20°.
Mist the substrate to keep it moist, and aerate for a few minutes a day.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Categories
- ShrubHerbaceous
- Tags
- BeginnerFlowery
- Origin
- Oceania
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9a (-6.7°C ≤ T° < -3.9°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenWhiteRedRoseYellow
- Flower color
- White
- Fruit color
- White
Discover plants from the same family
Cordyline 'Red Star
Cordyline australis 'Red Star'
Cordyline 'Torbay Dazzler'
Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler'
Cordyline 'Kiwi
Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi'
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
