CORDYLINE A. RED STAR (Peat Free)

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil is essential; works well in sandy or loamy soils. Avoid heavy clay soils unless amended with compost.
• Soil pH: Thrives in neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline soil (pH 6.0–7.5).
• Peat-Free Soil: Ideal for peat-free compost mixes, contributing to sustainable gardening practices.
• Container Growing: Performs well in large containers; ensure pots have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, especially when newly planted. Reduce watering in winter.
• Drought Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established, but occasional deep watering during dry spells is beneficial.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth. Container-grown plants may need additional feeding in summer.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for optimal foliage color, but tolerates partial shade.
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 8–11. Tolerates temperatures down to about 15°F (-9°C).
• Frost Tolerance: Protect from prolonged frost or freezing conditions by moving containers to sheltered areas or using frost covers.
• Heat Tolerance: Thrives in hot, sunny conditions, making it a great plant for Mediterranean-style gardens.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's neat appearance.
• Deadheading: If flowers appear, they can be removed to maintain the plant's focus on foliage growth.
• Winter Care: In colder regions, protect the plant from severe frost with horticultural fleece or mulch around the base.
• Container Care: If grown in a pot, ensure it doesn’t become root-bound by re-potting every 2–3 years into a larger container.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Generally pest-free but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Diseases: Rarely affected by diseases, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can cause fungal issues.
• Preventative Measures: Regularly inspect the plant for pests, especially during hot and dry periods, and ensure proper airflow around the base to prevent fungal problems.

Propagation

• Seed Propagation: Can be grown from seeds, but this method is slow.
• Division: Division of shoots from the base is a more effective method of propagation.
• Cuttings: Take cuttings from the growing tips to propagate new plants, though this can be a slow process.

Companion Planting and Garden Uses

• Companion Plants: Pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like Agapanthus, Echinacea, and ornamental grasses.
• Ornamental Use: Excellent for creating architectural interest in garden borders, patios, or large containers.
• Low Maintenance Gardens: Ideal for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant gardens, especially in coastal or Mediterranean-style designs.
• Urban Gardens: Performs well in urban environments due to its resilience and minimal care requirements.

Winter Care and Overwintering

• Winter Protection: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base in colder areas to protect the roots from freezing.
• Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round interest with its evergreen foliage, making it a valuable asset for winter garden design.
• Overwintering in Containers: Move container-grown plants to a sheltered spot or indoors if temperatures drop below its tolerance level.

Benefits of Growing Cordyline australis 'Red Star'

• Architectural Foliage: Its bold, sword-shaped leaves add a dramatic architectural element to any garden or container arrangement.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for a striking yet easy-to-care-for plant.
• Drought Tolerant: Performs well in drought conditions, perfect for water-wise gardens.
• Peat-Free Growing: Can be grown in peat-free compost, aligning with environmentally-friendly gardening practices.
• Evergreen: Provides year-round interest, adding structure and color to the garden even during the winter months.
• Wildlife Friendly: Flowers can attract pollinators, though it is grown primarily for its foliage.

Conclusion

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking to add bold, evergreen structure to their landscape or patio. With its drought tolerance, low-maintenance care, and year-round interest, this plant is versatile enough for a variety of settings, from coastal gardens to urban courtyards. Providing minimal care and following its basic needs ensures a healthy, thriving plant for years to come.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.