Cordyline is a bold and handsome evergreen shrub that slowly develops a tree-like form. It looks dramatic and exotic, and its shape is pleasing to the eye. It can grow as a single trunk or several stems topped with dense tufts of long, narrow, leathery leaves. Cordyline is also known as the New Zealand cabbage tree, the Torbay palm, and the cabbage palm, but it’s not a palm tree and has nothing to do with cabbage.
The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis which is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, although there’s a range of cultivars with variegated, coloured or multi-coloured foliage. Green-leaved forms are largest and fastest-growing and can reach around 5 metres high. Coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2. 5-3 m high, and less when grown in containers.
Cordylines are mostly grown for their leaves, but when they get big enough, they can also produce big clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers in the summer.
Cordylines, also known as cabbage palms or cabbage trees, are stunning tropical plants that can grow to impressive sizes both indoors and outdoors. With their palm-like appearance and vibrantly colored leaves, it’s no wonder they are so popular. But how big do cordylines actually grow? Let’s take a closer look.
Cordylines are evergreen shrubs or small trees that originate from tropical regions like New Zealand, southeast Asia, Hawaii and certain Pacific Islands. The most common species grown is Cordyline australis, the New Zealand cabbage palm.
Young cordyline plants have a low, fountain-like arrangement of long, straplike leaves As the plant matures, it develops a branching trunk and can reach heights of 10-30 feet tall depending on the variety The leaves come in green, bronze, reddish-pink, purple, yellow and variegated forms.
In addition to their ornamental foliage, mature cordylines produce panicles of small, sweetly fragrant white or pale purple flowers in summer. These are followed by clusters of small black berries.
Factors That Affect Cordyline Growth
Several key factors influence the ultimate height and spread of cordyline plants:
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Species and Variety. There is wide variation among cordyline species and cultivars. For example C. australis is the largest species, capable of reaching 30 feet tall in ideal conditions. C. fruticosa, the ti plant reaches 6-10 feet. Dwarf cultivars may only grow to 3 feet.
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Growing Conditions. Cordylines need warmth, high humidity, rich soil and filtered sunlight to thrive. Plants grown in ideal conditions will achieve greater size than those grown in poor conditions.
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Age. Like any plant, cordylines grow progressively larger as they mature. Maximum height is achieved once plants are 15-20 years old.
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Container vs. Ground. Cordylines grown in containers are significantly smaller than those planted in the ground. Their size is restricted by pot size and root space.
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Climate. In tropical climates, cordylines can grow year-round. In temperate climates, growth occurs in warm seasons and slows or stops in winter.
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Pruning. Regular pruning contains cordylines’ growth. Allowing them to grow freely results in larger plants.
Typical Heights by Species
Here are the average heights you can expect with proper care by species:
- Cordyline australis: 10-30 feet
- Cordyline fruticosa: 6-10 feet
- Cordyline banksii: 10-15 feet
- Cordyline pumilio: 3-6 feet
- Cordyline stricta: 15-20 feet
- Cordyline obtecta: 3-6 feet
- Cordyline indivisa: 15-25 feet
Dwarf cultivars of many species top out at around 3-5 feet.
Achieving Maximum Growth
If you want your cordyline to reach its full height potential, provide the following care:
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Plant in rich, well-draining soil. Amend with compost or aged manure.
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Site in light to partial shade in warm climates. Provide full sun in cooler areas.
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Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
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Fertilize 3-4 times per year with a balanced organic fertilizer.
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Prune only to shape or remove dead leaves/stems. Don’t overprune.
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Repot container plants when rootbound into progressively larger pots.
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Move to shelter or indoors over winter in cold climates. Avoid exposing to frost.
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Allow 15-20 years of optimal growth for the plant to fully mature.
Size Control Through Pruning
For cordylines you want to keep smaller, regular pruning helps limit size. Here are some tips:
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Prune back leggy stems in late winter/early spring to shape the plant.
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Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems as needed.
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Cut off spent flowers after bloom.
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Annually prune back upright stems by 1/3 to 1/2 their length to contain height.
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Remove lower leaves and stems annually to expose the trunk.
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For dwarf varieties, pinch out growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness.
By staying on top of pruning, you can maintain a cordyline plant at a manageable size even in a small garden.
Stunning Specimens However Large
One of the joys of growing cordylines is watching them progress from small container plants to impressive focal points over time. With their tropical flair and graceful structure, they make prized additions to gardens and patios even at their full mature size. Whatever height your cordyline ultimately achieves, proper care will keep it looking its vibrant best for years on end.
How to care for cordylines
Cordyline plants gradually develop their characteristic trunk as they mature. The bottom leaves turn yellow and fall off, revealing the growing trunk. These leaves should be carefully pulled off or trimmed.
Once established, cordyline plants in the ground can handle drought. However, new plants should be watered during dry spells during their first growing season. Apply a general slow-release fertilizer in spring.
If you have cordylines in pots, you should water them often so the compost stays evenly moist, but be careful not to water too much. Stand pots on gravel or raise them just off the ground so water can drain freely. This will keep water from building up in the pot.
For plants in pots, you can either use a single dose of controlled-release fertilizer in early spring or apply liquid fertilizer every month during the spring and summer.
Winter care of cordyline
Cordylines can survive temperatures of around -5° C but foliage can be disfigured by cold winds and frosts. Wrapping plants up for the winter keeps the leaves from getting hurt and keeps the plant’s growing point safe. After a dry spell, wrap plants so that water doesn’t get trapped under the covering and cause them to rot. Start at the top of the trunk and wind a non-abrasive tie around the leaves so they are pulled up into a point. The tie could be made of soft string, raffia, or old nylon tights. Then, wrap the plant in horticultural fleece – the thickest grade or ‘frost fleece’ is best. Remove the wrapping and ties in late winter when the weather starts to warm up.
You can wrap up cordyline plants in pots, along with the pot, if you can’t move the plants under cover. The best place for pots is in the shelter of a building, preferably against a south-facing wall and as close to the house as possible to protect them from frost.
New plants for free! How to prune cordyline Ti plants and propagate cuttings.
FAQ
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