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
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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.