Cordyline Australis Red Star – Learn, Buy & Grow
Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ is a native to New Zealand and Australia, and is very fast growing indeed, up to 7m x 1.5m in ideal conditions, though more like 1-3m here in the UK if we have mild winters!
It is less hardy than the type – the plain green Cordyline australis. If cut down by severe frost, it should return from the ground, especially if a thick mulch is placed around the base and the foliage tied up to protect it from the desiccating prevailing winter winds.
If you are worried about losing one, they can be grown in a large container and brought into frost free conditions, though this can only be considered if you have the space let alone the inclination to do so! MORE: What to plant with Cordylines?
Never-the-less, it is a fabulous plant that may be worth that little extra effort as it certainly is a fabulous and very exotic looking plant for that tropical look!
Cordyline australis Red Star
Common Name: Cabbage Palm ‘Red Star’ Red Cabbage Palm, Red Cabbage tree and Red Torbay Palm.
Latin name: Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’
Tenderness Rating: Hardy down to -5C for short periods only, hence should be protected or brought under cover for the coldest months
Ease of growing: moderate
Position: Prefers full sun to dappled shade protected from cold desiccating winds
Soil Condition: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
Cordyline australis Red Star
Further Reading:
- What should I plant with Cordylines for companion planting?
- Common Cordyline Issues, Pests & Diseases – Tips to fix
- Grow Guide: How to grow, care for and buy Cordylines in the UK
Other varieties of Cordyline covered here are: Cordyline Australis Charlie Boy, Cordyline Australis Pink Passion, Cordyline Australis Pink Star, Cordyline Australis Red Star, Cordyline Australis Torbay Dazzler, Cordyline Australis Verde.
Buy Cordyline Red Star for sale from UK suppliers
This tree is usually found in forest margins, coastal regions and is also quite abundant in wet, swampy areas. It is an excellent container plant that looks terrific on patios, terraces, and balconies.
How big will Cordyline australis red star get?
Although Cordyline australis red star starts compact, it will end up as a large plant with a thick trunk at maturity. It will reach an ultimate height of 20 feet with a spread of 10 feet.
What does ‘Red star’ look like?
‘Red star’ has slightly arching, sword-shaped, dark red dramatic leaves.
Long spikes of fragrant, small, white flowers occasionally bloom in late spring to summer on older trees.
How can I cultivate Cordyline australis red star?
Grow ‘Red star’ in any fertile, moist, and free-draining soil with an acidic, alkaline or neutral pH. It will tolerate dry and wet soil and is also quite tolerant of salt.
Where can I position ‘Red star’ in my garden?
This tree will thrive in a lightly shaded or sheltered area of your garden where it will still be able to receive full sunlight.
How does one propagate Cordyline australis red star?
Cordyline australis red star can be propagated from seeds, suckers and cuttings.
How can I take care of my ‘Red star’ plant?
Watering: Water Cordyline australis red star regularly during its growing season. You will need to water more frequently if your plant is grown in pots in full sun exposure.
Fertilisation: Feed ‘Red star’ every month with a balanced fertiliser.
Pruning: Cut back frost-damaged branches to promote new growth and to keep your plant tidy.
Hardiness: Your plant will grow best in greenhouses or conservatories in periods of extreme frost as it is not very tolerant of constant cold weather.
