Moderate water; irrigate deeply when the upper 1–2 inches of soil dry. Water more frequently during extreme summer heat, especially in containers, and reduce watering in winter.
An evergreen, palm-like cordyline with arching, sword-shaped burgundy leaves and an upright woody trunk. Best grown in a sheltered microclimate in Phoenix.
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; protect from intense western exposure and reflected desert heat.
Water: Moderate water; irrigate deeply when the upper 1–2 inches of soil dry. Water more frequently during extreme summer heat, especially in containers, and reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; avoid waterlogged clay. Use a freely draining potting mix in containers.
Mature size: Typically 6–10 feet tall and 3–6 feet wide in cultivation; older plants may grow taller in favorable conditions.
Bloom: Mature plants may bloom in late spring or early summer; flowering can be infrequent in containers or under stressful desert conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate with adequate moisture and suitable temperatures; slower under desert stress.