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Cordyline Australis - damaged trunk/roots

delta.derekrobsondelta.derekrobson Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Hi, first time on here, looking for advice .

I have this plant which I believe is called a Cordyline Australis, but I could be wrong.

Its been in place over 10 years but does not seem to grow, I cut a stem off about 4 years back to try and encourage growth but to no avail.

The base of the trunk is very loose an has been for a while, it looks like its rotted on one side at the base of the trunk, see photo. It would not take much to pull it from the ground. It needs securing with a post at the moment.

Do you have any recommendations to get this growing again as I don't want to give up on it.

Many Thanks


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Posts

  • delta.derekrobsondelta.derekrobson Posts: 7
    May have posted this twice in error, apologies, but any advice welcomed tks
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    edited October 2022
    Hello, difficult to tell height from your picture. This is our cordyline,it's about 7 years old and as tall as our bungalow,it's growing a proper subbase , membrane which is cut through and planted in large shingle,full south facing,and we live in the SE UK 10 minutes from the sea. My hubby thinks yours is a Yucca Gloriosa, which will unfortunately rot at the base in wet. They both will.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Heres the Yucca on the right,and as you can see, they even grow sideways here!!!
  • delta.derekrobsondelta.derekrobson Posts: 7
    Its about 5ft tall and has been for years, although the base is damaged it still generates green leaves on a regular basis and i remove bottom ones as they die away. I believe its the same as yours as the flowers also appear as per your photo. Was just hoping for a solution other than replacing ? Thanks for your response.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited October 2022
    Very diifcult to tell from your photos.  

    My neighbour has a Cordaline (Torquay Palm) thta has in the summer scented date-like flower racemes.  I used to have two Yuccas.  One very stiff and dangerously sharp at both tip of leaf and edge.  The other more flexible leaves, sharp but not as dangerous.  They both flowered at about 20year intervals with white flowers on spikes.  Quite different to Cordalines. 

    I think yours may be Yucca ... gloriosa ( the specific name has just come to me) though neither was named officially.

     In the end I cut the Yucca down at ground level. It is resprouting. The top I planted; I think it is growing.  The rest I cut up and put on the compost where I think it is quietly rooting.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    It does look as if your plant - a Yucca rather than a Cordyline looking at the sharp tips - is competing for space and air with the surrounding plants..  They generally prefer a free draining situation.
    May be worth considering a more suitable site for it ?
  • delta.derekrobsondelta.derekrobson Posts: 7
    Thanks for the comments, I may try to relocate to an area of the garden with better drainage and see if that helps. Will it survive the trauma of moving ?
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Am glad everyone agrees, not sure it would transplant especially as the root system doesn't look happy.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Yuccas are visious.  It may survive the trauma, but will you?

    I suggest that you cut off and plant the top.  Chop the stem into 1 foot pieces and plant them too. 

    I might be a good idea to read the current "gloves" thread.  Also to wear tough trousers and jacket, and think of eye protection.  Good luck.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • delta.derekrobsondelta.derekrobson Posts: 7
    Thanks, still not sure its a Yucca, the ferns are not that sharp or rigid, probably from same family. I assume you mean plant the top section once chopped and plant the 1ft sections also, creating several plants ?
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