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Cordyline australis 'Red Star' (1 Gallon) is a popular ornamental grass-like plant, known for its striking, deep burgundy-red, sword-shaped leaves that provide a bold and architectural element to gardens and containers.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 3-4 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet in containers. When planted in the ground, it can eventually reach up to 10-12 feet tall.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 8-11. In colder climates, it’s often grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
- Bloom Time: May produce small, fragrant, white to pale lavender flowers in late spring to summer, but it is primarily grown for its striking foliage.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking neat and healthy.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for garden beds, borders, or as a statement plant in containers. Prefers a sunny to partially shaded location.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Improve soil fertility and structure with compost or well-rotted manure if necessary.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Position the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart in containers or in the ground to allow for their spread and ensure proper airflow.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
Fun Fact: The 'Red Star' Cordyline is widely used in modern and tropical-style gardens for its dramatic, dark foliage that contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored plants. This hardy plant is also drought-tolerant once established, making it an attractive and low-maintenance option for adding a splash of color and texture to outdoor spaces.