First time flowering

Just noticed today that my Cordyline Australis (Cabbage Tree) has a long spike of buds emerging from the crown. It's about 8-9 years old and this is it's first time.Is it usual to take so long to flower?

Came through the winter unprotected (no fleece covering) and unharmed. This was it's severest winter yet - maybe the shock has forced the flowering.

Cordyline australis

Reply from Katy Elton

Hi Laura,

Fantastic news that your cordyline survived the winter! Many were not so lucky this year. These plants tend to flower once they are well established. How long this takes can depend on growing conditions, the site, temperatures etc. and of course can vary from plant to plant.

I'd be inclined to give it protection next winter if I were you. It would be such a shame to lose it and have to start all over again after it finally reaching flowering maturity.

Hope this helps.

Katy

False sense of security

Reply from Laura Thomas

Hi Katy

- thanks for your advice. As you say, it would be a shame to lose my Corydyline now so this time will give it a winter coat. Very excited about it's first blooms :)

Having been through at least 8 winters, I sort of assumed that being in a sheltered spot, walled garden, south-west facing London climate, it would cope. But then our winters til the last one have led us into a false sense of security.