Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor' (v)

RHS Plant Profile

Madagascar dragon tree 'Bicolor'

Synonyms

Dracaena 'Bicolor'

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants Shrubs

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A palm-like shrub, usually grown as a houseplant, with an upright stem terminating in two or more branches. These bear dense clusters of long, very narrow leaves in dark green edged with cream with a fine red margin

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Dracaena are evergreen trees, the few branches bearing linear to lance-shaped leaves often crowded towards the tips; on mature plants, small greenish-white flowers may be followed by orange or red berries
Name Status: Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with moderate humidity and good light, but shaded from hot sun. See Dracaena and houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by removing whole tops and rooting with bottom heat. Can also root leafless sections of stem

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical

Pruning

No pruning required, but can cut back stems to reduce size or encourage stronger growth

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects can be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free