Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asparagaceae

Genus:

Cordyline

Species:

Cordyline australis

USDA Symbol:

COAU12

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire or damage; multiple heads often form after burning or cutting.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

fertile, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to New Zealand's coastal and lowland forests

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with bottom heat around 20-25°C. Fresh seed germinates more reliably than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI