Evergreen Shrub – ‘Charlie Boy’ Cordyline

‘Charlie Boy’ Cordyline 

Botanical name: cordyline australis ‘charlie boy’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 2-3 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-10 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-2 growing seasons 

Foliage color: burgundy/pink 

Flower color: white

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: cut back in the early spring before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired shape and size

Propagation methods: propagate with semi-new growth cuttings during the summer months 

Landscape use: accent plant, edging, container plant, mass planting, tropical landscape

Special features: variegated foliage, palm-like appearance 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring, before new growth begins to emerge. Fertilize again in the same way in the mid-summer to promote abundant new growth throughout the summer and fall months

Best time to plant: spring or summer 

Best type of soil: loam 

Companion plants: creeping jenny, ornamental grasses, sedum, lantana

Toxicity level: toxic for pets if ingested, non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: no