Cordtkube australis variegated green foliage

Credit: Torquay Palms

Cordyline australis Torbay Dazzler in a flowerbed

Credit: Cultivar 413

Several Cordylines Torbay Dazzler in pot

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Engking

Cordyline Torbay dazzler in pot

Credit: Cultivar 413

Cordyline australis "Torbay Dazzler", a palm with variegated foliage

Looking for a Cordyline with original foliage, but hate red? Forget cordyline 'Red Star. Choose Cordyline 'Torbay Dazzler' instead. This Cordyline australe cultivar is distinguished by its variegated leaves.

How to recognize Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler'?

Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler' reaches a height of ten meters when grown in the open. In pots, it rarely exceeds two meters. But before developing into an upright shrub, this tree-like plant is just a slender stem topped by a tuft of leaves.

For the first few years, the gray stipe is crowned by a single rosette of leaves. Once the plant has reached maturity, the false trunk branches out. Each branch is then topped with a bunch of leaves.

The leaf blades are green, with cream margins. The midrib is sometimes red, often light yellow. The thick leaves are sword-shaped. Up to a metre long, they arch as they age.

When in flower, Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler' is adorned with creamy, lightly scented flowers. They grow in panicles in spring.

The flowers, like the rest of the plant, are non-toxic. You can grow Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler' at home, even if you live with pets and small children.

Our maintenance tips

Cordylines 'Torbay Dazzler 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 'Torbay Dazzler when the soil is about three centimeters dry. 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 spring, repot your Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler' 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 'Torbay Dazzler' 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 'Torbay Dazzler', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

To promote growth and the appearance of new leaves, give your Cordyline 'Torbay Dazzler' green plant fertilizer.

To promote the growth of your Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Place a little compost at the foot of your Cordyline 'Torbay Dazzler' to enrich the soil and accelerate growth.

Prune

Cut off yellowed leaves at the base. Use a clean, sharp instrument to prevent the spread of disease.

Plantation

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 'Torbay Dazzler' 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.

Cutting

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

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Asparagaceae - Asparagaceae
Type	Cordyline - Cordyline
Species	Cordyline australe - Cordyline australis
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Shrub Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Flowery
Origin	Oceania
Hardiness (USDA)	9a
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit color