Cordyline petiolaris
palm lily
Lush leafy shrub resembles ti plant but hardier, faster-growing, cool-tolerant. Bare branches and trunks with leaves held on long stems. Brilliant red berries follow white to purple flowers.
 Height | 6–10ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 3–6ft |
 Tolerates | Coast, Cool Summers, Fog, Pots |
 Water needs | Low – Moderate |
Cordylines are surprisingly drought tolerant once established, though they will look their best with deep watering every week or two. Having good drainage is important with cordylines, which will also makes them quite tolerant of overwatering. | |
 Hardy to | 28°F |
 Exposure | Full Shade – Part Shade |
 Plant traits | Foliage Feature, Tropical, Trunking |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose |
 Origin | N Australia |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 16, 17, 19–22 |
Growing Notes
Cordylines are versatile in the garden. These upright cordylines have a clean vertical form, but also respond well to a hard pruning back (even all the way to the ground) and will send new growth out wherever they are cut back. By cutting multiple canes at different levels you can get a nice staggered effect and maximize screening.
Once the older lower leaves dry up they can be pulled cleanly away, exposing a textured trunk.
Cordylines are an excellent choice for a pot, where they are low-maintenance plants for the long term.
In particularly windy conditions cordylines may develop brown frayed tips.
Special Interest
The species name petiolaris refers to this plants long thin leaf stems. This leaf stem is called the petiole.
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The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
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