Dracaena draco (Dragon tree)

Botanical name

Dracaena draco

Other names

Dragon tree, Dragon's blood tree

Genus

Dracaena Dracaena

Species

D. draco - D. draco is a sparsely branched, evergreen tree with sword-shaped leaves and panicles of greenish-white flowers (on mature trees only) in summer followed by orange-red fruits in autumn.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Mature trees have scented flowers.

Tree shape

Single stemmed palm, cycad or tree

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

White, Green in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite , Scale insects

General care

Pruning

If growth is weak, plants can be cut back to within 15cm of the base in spring.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Dracaena draco (Dragon tree) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Conservatory, Foliage only, Greenhouse, Indoor, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Plant inside in loam-based potting compost in full light and shade from hot sun and with moderate humidity. Tolerant of low light levels indoors.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Dracaena draco (Dragon tree)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Spodoptera cosmioides

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pest distributed throughout much of South America and intercepted in the Netherlands. Could be damaging if introduced to UK glasshouses.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/