Cordyline australis 'Variegata' P14

An eye-catching evergreen with arching, sword-like leaves striped in cream and green, bringing year-round architectural interest and a subtropical feel to the garden. Slower-growing and less vigorous than the plain green species, it develops a distinctive palm-like form with a single trunk over time, and produces fragrant creamy-white flowers in summer on mature plants. Excellent as a specimen in borders or containers.

Size: Slow-growing, reaching an eventual height of 4–8m with a spread of around 2.5–4m, though this takes many years to achieve.

Growing conditions: Best in full sun to light shade, in a sheltered position away from cold winds. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and tolerates a range of soil types. Reasonably hardy but more cold-sensitive than green-leaved forms — benefits from winter protection in colder areas, or can be grown in a container and moved undercover over winter.

Hand-selected for healthy growth and strong variegation.