Caring for Cordyline
Words: Phil Clayton, Features Editor of The Garden
I have tried to grow Cordyline indivisa on five occasions in two gardens. The first four plants all died– two never even made it into the ground- these were bought in late summer and at the time I thought it best to grow in pots under glass, for planting in spring.
They hated this; within days lower leaves were all turning yellow, growth slowed and the jaundice spread up the plant. I hated seeing the yellow leaves and cut them off- this seemed to speed their demise further. I can’t think of another plant I have killed so fast: both died within two months.
Relentless summer sun
I then learned they hate growing in pots and are at least as hardy as C. australis. As a result, the next two did get planted; one survived for almost a year, starting off well but just as I got complacent, the yellowing started, this time in a hot, dry summer- in hindsight the position by a south fence was too sunny.
My next plant was against the odds from the start. Some young Cordyline indivisa are rather loose in their pots and best avoided. Once planted out I had to support mine with short canes- it never established and soon went to meet its brethren in 'indivisa' heaven.
A new hope
The fifth I planted a month ago- the first in my ‘new’ garden. I spent hours looking for a suitable spot. Such is its appeal I decided nowhere was off limits, even if it involved removing something else-in this case Phormium cookianum. I went for a sheltered spot with some shade but not too much competition. I intended to plant it and leave it- some say even looking at your plant will kill it- but in this dry autumn I have had to irrigate. So far so good, although some bottom leaves are already yellowish.
It’s forming a trunk I tell myself……