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Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor' (v)

Madagascar dragon tree 'Bicolor'

A palm-like shrub, usually grown as a houseplant, with an upright stem terminating in two or more branches. These bear dense clusters of long, very narrow leaves in dark green edged with cream with a fine red margin

Synonyms
Dracaena 'Bicolor'
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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
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Cream Red
Summer Green Cream Red
Autumn Green Cream Red
Winter Green Cream Red
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with moderate humidity and good light, but shaded from hot sun. See Dracaena and houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by removing whole tops and rooting with bottom heat. Can also root leafless sections of stem

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
Pruning

No pruning required, but can cut back stems to reduce size or encourage stronger growth

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects can be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.