Palm Lily Cordyline
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Palm Lily:
- Phonetic Spelling
- kor-di-LY-nee
- Description
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This Genus in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and consists of 24 species of which many are used as ornamentals. They are native to Australia, New Zealand and many of the western Pacific islands. The Genus name comes from the Greek word kordyle, meaning "club," a reference to the enlarged underground rhizomes.
Size will vary according to species with some 3-6 feet tall and others up to 40 feet tall. They will do well in full sun to partial shade in well-drained garden soil and are drought-tolerant once established. They will need protection in areas prone to frost. Some species are best grown as house plants.
The strap-like leaves come in a variety of colors from green to variegated pinks and purples. The stems become woody as the plant grows into a tree-like form. The flowers are very fragrant and attract bees.
Use this plant in the border, in groups or to add a tropical flare. They will do well in a container also.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Cold wet soils can cause rotting of the rhizomes and die back. Watch for mealybugs.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Container Gardens
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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C. australis
- C. banksii 'Sprilecpink' aka Electric Pink
The upright, dark maroon leaves edged with shocking pink
C. fruticosa
- Cordyline 'Cha Cha'
Weeping, variegated foliage in a blend of colors that starts out apricot and peach and matures to a mix of yellow and green wit - Cordyline 'Jurred' aka Festival Grass™
vivid burgundy-red lax leaves atop a slowly developing 2 to 3 foot tall stem.
C. ruba
- Fountain™ group
2-3 feet tall in a variety of colors - Purple Dazzler'
multiple narrow stems that rise vertically up to 3 feet or more with a crown of narrow dark purple-black shiny leaves. - 'Tana' aka Renegade
Stem to 5 ft. tall with arching, dark purple to nearly black foliage with a glossy lacquered finish. - 'Zumba'
multiple upright stems holding glossy bright pink narrow arching leaves that have dark cherry red margins.
C. indivisa
Grows 9 ft tall with green leaves - C. banksii 'Sprilecpink' aka Electric Pink
- C. australis, C. banksii 'Sprilecpink' aka Electric Pink, C. fruticosa, C. indivisa, Cordyline 'Cha Cha', Cordyline 'Jurred' aka Festival Grass™, C. ruba, Fountain™ group, Purple Dazzler', 'Tana' aka Renegade, 'Zumba'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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C. australis
- C. banksii 'Sprilecpink' aka Electric Pink
The upright, dark maroon leaves edged with shocking pink
C. fruticosa
- Cordyline 'Cha Cha'
Weeping, variegated foliage in a blend of colors that starts out apricot and peach and matures to a mix of yellow and green wit - Cordyline 'Jurred' aka Festival Grass™
vivid burgundy-red lax leaves atop a slowly developing 2 to 3 foot tall stem.
C. ruba
- Fountain™ group
2-3 feet tall in a variety of colors - Purple Dazzler'
multiple narrow stems that rise vertically up to 3 feet or more with a crown of narrow dark purple-black shiny leaves. - 'Tana' aka Renegade
Stem to 5 ft. tall with arching, dark purple to nearly black foliage with a glossy lacquered finish. - 'Zumba'
multiple upright stems holding glossy bright pink narrow arching leaves that have dark cherry red margins.
C. indivisa
Grows 9 ft tall with green leaves - C. banksii 'Sprilecpink' aka Electric Pink
- C. australis, C. banksii 'Sprilecpink' aka Electric Pink, C. fruticosa, C. indivisa, Cordyline 'Cha Cha', Cordyline 'Jurred' aka Festival Grass™, C. ruba, Fountain™ group, Purple Dazzler', 'Tana' aka Renegade, 'Zumba'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cordyline
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Some species have been used medicinally and for food.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Western Pacific areas
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 16 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- 24-60 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Fleshy fruit matures bluish to purple-black
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Large dropping clusters of small yellow to whitish to mauve flowers appear in spring to summer. They have three petals and are fragrant. The cluster arises from under the base of the foliage. Rarely flowers in a pot
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Long narrow strap-like leaves vary in color and size according to the species and cultivar.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Woodystems with age
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Flowering Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Diseases
- Drought
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
