Cordylines are generally low maintenance, needing little watering once established. When grown in containers, however, they require regular watering and feeding, and winter protection, except in mild areas. So be prepared to either bring them indoors or move them to a sheltered spot and wrap them with fleece.
Watering
When growing in borders, newly planted cordylines should be watered regularly during their first summer. Established plants are drought tolerant and shouldn’t require watering.
Cordylines in containers need regular watering during the growing season, but should be kept fairly dry in winter. Plants that are indoors over winter need only occasional watering, but those left outside should be moved to a sheltered spot to protect them from excessive winter rain. Long spells of cold, damp weather can kill them.
Feeding
- Cordylines growing in the ground shouldn’t need feeding.
- Those in containers can be given a balanced, liquid fertiliser from spring to late summer.
- If growing a cordyline permanently in a container, top-dress in spring – remove 5cm (2in) of old compost from the surface and replace with a fresh layer.
Mulching
- With cordylines in borders, lay a thick layer of mulch over the root zone in autumn, to help insulate the roots. See our guide to mulching tender plants in winter.
- With cordylines in containers or coastal-style plantings, a mulch of gravel will give an attractive finish and also help to enhance the seaside feel.
Deadheading
Well-established cordylines may flower in hot summers, producing frothy spikes of tiny white blooms. The faded flower spikes can be removed or left to produce small red or purple berry-like fruits.
Overwintering
There are several species of cordyline – most are tender or not fully hardy, so should be kept frost-free or protected over winter.
Cordyline australis is the hardiest species and should survive outdoors in mild parts of the UK, especially if grown in a sheltered spot. However, even with this species, young plants and cultivars with coloured foliage are susceptible to winter damage. In colder parts of the UK, give all species winter protection or bring indoors.
To protect cordylines growing in the ground:
- Tie the foliage together in a bunch – this will reduce wind damage and prevent water collecting in the growing points and causing rot.
- In cold locations, also wrap the main stem with layers of fleece and place a 15cm (6in) layer of mulch, such as bark, over the root area. See our guide to wrapping tender plants.
To protect plants growing in containers:
- Move them to a frost-free location, such as a greenhouse, porch or conservatory. You can also give them temporary shelter in a shed or garage during cold snaps.
- Alternatively, wrap bubble polythene around the container, stand it against a sheltered wall, and protect the foliage and stems with fleece.
Tender species, such as Cordyline marginata, C. stricta and C. fruticosa (syn. C. terminalis), should be brought indoors or into a heated greenhouse over winter. Check plant labels carefully before buying, to find out if the plant is tender.
Caring for older plants
Cordylines can be long-lived plants and can easily grow to several metres tall. If yours has become too tall, you can cut it back in spring (see pruning, below).