Cordyline australis

Hi, I'm new to this so please be kind (I hope I'm posting in teh right place).

Anyway, can any of you good people tell me if this is definitely cordyline australis? I also want to know how old this one might be, I would love one in my London garden which is pretty sheltered, there are a few of these trees dotted around so they obviously aren't too effected by our winters. I expect I will have to wait a long time before one gets to this size but I hope to buy a reasonabley big plant.

Any advice would be gratefully received!:WINK1:

 

You are correct, its cordyline australis.

I'm only guessing, but I would say 15 to 20 yrs old.

They have had a few problems temperature wise in the last few years an a good few of the large ones have been frosted right down to the ground.

I think in the cities though its not as cold as other areas out in the sticks, so you should be OK.

They grow fast, so personally, I'd not buy a very large plant that is totally potbound, medium sized, in a large pot, would be best.

It will root better, pot bound plants often dont make good root and become unstable after a couple of years.

 

Thanks that's very useful info indeed. I know the last few winters have been really cold and a lot have died, I was told that they die because the roots freeze and are unable to transport the water up the stem. Would you have any idea roughly how much a medium sized plant might cost?

 

Have a look here - for pricing.

They grow fast, so even the £35 one would get quite big within a few years.

The Eden Project shop has them for £40 for a 10L size (not sure how tall but you could email them).

Also check out eBay.

eBay cordyline

 

Not really, but I'm sure you could buy one locally, they are very common in garden centres, when I say medium sized I'm thinking something around 4ft high, 5 ft max.
The bigger the plant the slower the establishment and rooting.

The death of big plants recently is not due to the roots freezing, that only happens to plants in pots, the roots usually survive when planted out, its the top growth that freezes and dies.

So a plant in the ground stands a better chance of survival.
My own thoughts are that its not only the cold that has been killing old plants recently, but other diseases could play a part.

 

Hi fairly new to this site but wondered if you have any advice for me. I have a Cordyline Torbay Dazzler in the garden and it has split into 2 large heads. I want to remove one and try and grow it on but am scared I will kill both off in the process. Any advice about when and how to do it would be very welcome. Thanks Hilly

 

@Hilly Full disclosure: I can't stand the blessed things; Torbay is loused out with them, to the extent they self seed in places where they are not wanted such as my garden.
If you want to propagate them though, you'll be best waiting till next spring. I found this which seems pretty comprehensive How To Propagate Cordyline - 5 Methods | Horticulture.co.uk section 2 on stem cuttings is probably of most relevant.
Will the other head die if you remove one, based on what I see down here probably not.
With any luck you'll have more than one rooted cutting so if the worst happens you'll still have more than one.
Why not start a new thread where you can report your progress.

 

I've never had much luck with stem cuttings unless they are actually growing roots already, usually under a bunch of dead leaves.
I doubt you will kill the other if you remove one, but it will leave a big scar on the future stem where you remove it.

 

Wow thanks for such swift replies. I will have a good think about this as they are from the stem and have no roots at all.

 

Thanks Nigel for the link I have found it and yes it is very helpful.

 

If it was me, I'd leave well alone and buy another one if you want two.
Just my opinion.

 

Cordyline australis ( aka Torbay Palm) seem to be similar to Pampas Grass - you either love them or hate them As neither are "native" to the UK, it's up to the individual gardener as to whether they can fit either into their landscaping plans and enjoy them.
Inclined to agree with @pete ...... rather than risk damaging your plant ( and possibly making it look a bit lop sided ? ) best to buy another and plant it where you feel it would enhance the garden planting scheme

 

They are not at all similar to Pampas grass as they are nowhere near as flammable and their flowers stink.

 

I probably chose the wrong wording - I meant similar in the Love/Hate context
As for the stinky flowers, it doesn't seem to put Collared Doves off from nesting in them. Flammable Pampas Grass ? Not heard of that one but the smaller birds certainly like the flower plumes for nesting material.