Skip to content

Australian Dracaena

Cordyline Australis

Design with this plant

Overview

The Australian Dracaena, or Cordyline australis, is a striking, palm-like tree. Mature specimens can reach heights of 20 to 33 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet. Architecturally impressive, its sword-shaped leaves create dense bunches atop slender trunks, offering a dramatic vertical emphasis in landscapes. Hardy to USDA Zone 9, it thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. Drought tolerance increases with maturity.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 8–11Climate Mediterranean
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — The Australian Dracaena, or Cordyline australis, is a striking, palm-like tree

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
8–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Asparagaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (104)

Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — The Australian Dracaena, or Cordyline australis, is a striking, palm-like tree; its sword-shaped leaves, image 97
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — tree for full; best suited as a focal point or grouped to create a dramatic effect, image 96
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — Mature specimens can reach heights of 20 to 33 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet; blade-like leaves, image 98
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — Drought tolerance increases with maturity; white flowers in the garden, image 103
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — scientifically known as Cordyline australis and commonly referred to as the Cabbage Tree; offering a, image 104
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — offering a dramatic vertical emphasis in landscapes; scientifically known as Cordyline australis and, image 101
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — Hardy to USDA Zone 9, it thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil; giving a, image 102
Australian Dracaena (Cordyline Australis) — its sword-shaped leaves create dense bunches atop slender trunks; the Australian Dracaena, or Cordyline, image 100

Related plants

Soap Plant (Chlorogalum Pomeridianum) — grass-like leaves up to 3 feet long

Soap Plant

Chlorogalum Pomeridianum

Full · Zones 6–10

'Purple Reign' Pineapple Lily (Eucomis hybrid) — The Eucomis hybrid 'Purple Reign' is a compact pineapple lily with deep burgundy foliage and blush pink

'Purple Reign' Pineapple Lily

Eucomis hybrid

Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) — Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a versatile trailing evergreen, is a staple for indoor spaces

Pothos

Epipremnum Aureum

Deep Shade · Zones 10–11

Sea Storm™ Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) — It can stay compact at 6-12 inches or trail up to 6-8 feet with support

Sea Storm™ Golden Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Full

'Variegatum' Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) — Proven Winners - 'Variegatum' - Spider Plant - Chlorophytum comosum plant details, information and resources

'Variegatum' Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum

Giant Pineapple Lilly (Eucomis Pallidiflora) — growing to a height of 3-4 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet

Giant Pineapple Lilly

Eucomis Pallidiflora

Half · Zones 9–10