If you’re looking for a foliage plant that can provide a tropical feel, Cordyline australis ‘Southern Splendor’ is a good choice. It can be used as a specimen plant by itself, a taller centerpiece in a combination planter or as a landscape plant to add height.
‘Southern Splendor’ grows a single trunk 6 feet tall or higher. It is topped with a thick mass of swordlike rose to dark-red leaves that make a 2-foot canopy. In a 1-gallon container, plants usually grow 18-24 inches tall.
This patented plant is the result of breeding with low-temperature-tolerant C. australis varieties, and it will survive in protected areas on freezing nights. It requires well-drained soil and will tolerate short periods of dryness. It can be grown in full to partial sun.
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Plants are available as rooted 98-cell liners. Transplant into a well-drained growing medium with a pH 5.5 to 6.5 and an electrical conductivity of 2.0. Bark and peat mixes can be used if they provide adequate aeration.
Plants can be grown pot tight in the early stages, and it is possible to finish the crop with this spacing. Space the plants halfway through the production cycle to allow the foliage to spread.
A temperature range of 60°F-85°F is preferred. Plants will continue to grow at lower temperatures of 50°F nights and 70°F days. Plants in production can tolerate occasional nights as low as 35°F.
Plants should be grown in high light (3,000 footcandles). They tolerate 35 percent shade during early production and then can be finished in full sun. Optimum light level is 55 percent shade.
A balanced slow-release fertilizer incorporated into the growing medium provides adequate nutrients. Growth can be pushed using a 20-20-20 weekly liquid fertilizer.
A regular watering schedule is best. Plants can tolerate short durations of dry medium. The medium should not be kept overly wet. Also, the foliage should be allowed to completely dry before sunset to avoid disease problems.
Scout weekly for spider mites. A twice-monthly rotation with preventive fungicides and a good integrated pest management program ensure a clean, healthy crop.
For more: ForemostCo, (800) 421-8986; fax (800) 426-1362; www.foremostco.com.
Specifics
Name: Cordyline australis ‘Southern Splendor.’
Crop timing: Finishing time depends on the time of year and growing temperatures. Four-inch pots planted with one 98-cell rooted liner finish in 20-24 weeks. Six-inch pots planted with one liner finish in 28 weeks.
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Grower benefits: ‘Southern Splendor’ is an easy plant to grow and has few pest and disease problems. It offers the tropical ornamental look whether grown as a specimen plant, combination component plant or in the landscape.