Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower' – Giant Dracaena with Plum-Purple Foliage

Giant Dracaena 'Purple Tower' (Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower')

Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower' (kor-dih-LYE-nee oss-TRAL-iss) is a cultivar of the New Zealand native cabbage tree, frequently grown in greenhouses, as houseplants, or as large accent plants outdoors. Hardy to Zone 10. The narrow, plum-purple leaves reach 3 feet long. Fragrant white flowers are small but borne in large panicles in spring and early summer on mature plants. Container-grown plants rarely flower. Mature specimens develop thick trunks with foliage at the top, resembling a palm tree. The species has naturalized in portions of California and the southern U.S.

Noteworthy Characteristics

• Long, narrow foliage in unusual purple color
• Great accent plant

Growing Conditions & Care

Needs well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. If grown indoors, provide bright filtered or indirect light and moderate water during the growing season.

Propagation

Sow seed at 61°F in spring. Remove well-rooted suckers in spring.

Potential Problems

Scale insects, spider mites, and mealybugs are common; bacterial and fungal spots, bacterial soft rot, and root rot can occur.

Quick Reference

• Height: 15–30 ft.
• Spread: 6–10 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Flower Color: White
• Foliage Color: Colorful/Burgundy
• Uses: Beds, borders, specimen plant, focal point
• Type: Tree