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Cordylines sprouting from bottom of trunk - what do I do next?

MahonimatorMahonimator Posts: 8
in Problem solving
Like many others, this winter, my cordylines trees took a hit from the frost and lost their crowns entirely. 

They’ve been dormant for quite a few months now, but I’ve just checked the base of the tree trunks and I can see new growth coming from the base! It’s a miracle!

My question is, what do I need to do now? Do I need to remove the entire rest of the trunks?


Posts

  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Wait.  Is good general advice to gardeners.

    If it sprouts higher up, cut back to there.  If not, prune back to where it is growing.  Maybe remove some sprouts in order to get the eventual shape you want.
     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."
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I agree, don't be too hasty. If they don't grow from higher up in the next few months you can cut down the old trunks then (or sooner if you can't stand looking at the dead trunks :))
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • MahonimatorMahonimator Posts: 8
    Thank you very much both. I will wait for now and see if there is any more growth higher up in the next few months. Do you know if there is anything I can give them to help them out? Like food or anything? 
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    No. Just wait .
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I'd clear the area around the base, apply an organic mulch a couple of inches away from the trunks and give the plant a thorough watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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