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Products > Cordyline australis 'Red Sensation'   Cordyline australis 'Red Sensation' This listing for information only - We no longer grow this plant     Habit and Cultural Information Category: Tree Family: Dracaenaceae (~Agaveaceae) Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: NA Bloomtime: Infrequent Fragrant Flowers: Yes Height: 15-25 feet Width: 8-10 feet Exposure: Full Sun Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F Cordyline australis 'Red Sensation' - This is a palm-like, sub-tropical tree that grows with an upright habit and with age will branch to produce several heads. This cultivar is a showy plant with dense clusters of arching long, broad leaves colored purplish red. Like the other colorful Cordyline australis cultivars this plant should grow to be a branched 10 to 20 foot tall by 5 to 10 foot wide evergreen tree and produces large panicles of small, sweet-scented flowers in late spring to summer. Best in full coastal sun to light shade - some shade protection necessary in hotter inland gardens. It is drought tolerant in coastal gardens but responds well to occasional to regular irrigation. Useful in dry gardens but also offers a tropical look. A great container plant. It can tolerate coastal conditions if protected from direct sea winds (Zone 2) . It is hardy to around 15° F, growing well in USDA zones 9-10 (and possibly warmer Zone 8 locations). Some report that this plant is the same as 'Red Star' but we grew the two side by side and they are definitely different plants. Compared to 'Red Star' this cultivar has slightly wider leaves that are more purple (less red) and have a more green venation (especially prominent on older leaves). We grew this cultivar when we were not able to get stock of 'Red Star' but discontinued growing it in 2003 after securing ample stock of Cordyline 'Red Star'.  This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Cordyline 'Red Sensation'.     [MORE INFO]