Red Palm Lily

(Cordyline rubra)

Red Palm Lily (Cordyline rubra)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cordyline rubra, commonly known as Red Palm Lily, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests in Eastern Australia. It typically grows to around 4 meters (13 ft) tall and features a slender trunk with a crown of arching, narrow, and leathery leaves. The Red Palm Lily produces panicles of small, fragrant, lilac flowers from spring to early summer, which are followed by bright red berries, each about 10 mm (0.4 in) in diameter, that are attractive to birds.

The Red Palm Lily is valued for its lush foliage and vibrant fruit, making it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It can be used as an accent plant, in borders, or as an indoor pot plant due to its adaptability. While it prefers moist, well-drained soils, it is quite resilient and can tolerate periods of neglect. It thrives in semi-shade to full sun conditions, but protection from harsh afternoon sun is beneficial. This species is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Native to the understory of rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests in Eastern Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Palm Lily

Scientific Names: , Cordyline rubra, Dracaena rubra, Terminalis rubra, Charlwoodia rubra, Cordyline rubra f. violascens, Cordyline violascens, Dracaena zeelandica,

GBIF Accepted Name: Cordyline rubra Otto & A.Dietr.