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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Dracaena marginata (v)
  • RHS AGM

Madagascar dragon tree

An erect evergreen shrub to 4m, with long, sword-shaped, recurved, dark green leaves, finely edged reddish-brown

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

Correct

Plant range
Madagascar

How to grow

Cultivation

In frost prone areas grow under glass in a well-drained loam based compost (JI No3). Provide full light with some protection from hot, direct sunlight. See Dracaena and houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 18-21C or (64- 70F) or from semi-ripe and hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Requires little regular pruning, although weak stems may be shortened to 15cm (6in) in spring

Pests

Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects when grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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