Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | |||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Madagascar
How to grow
Cultivation
In frost-prone areas grow under glass in a well-drained, peat-free, loam-based compost. Provide full light with some protection from hot, direct sunlight. See Dracaena and houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 18-21C or (64- 70F) or from semi-ripe and hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Requires little regular pruning, although weak stems may be shortened to 15cm (6in) in spring
Pests
Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and scale insects when grown under glass
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.