Cordyline australis 'Paso Doble' – Planting & Care Guide

About Cordyline australis 'Paso Doble'

Cordyline australis 'Paso Doble', commonly known as Cabbage Palm 'Paso Doble', is a striking evergreen architectural plant prized for its colourful, sword-shaped foliage. Its upright leaves display rich shades of deep green, burgundy and vibrant pink-red, creating a bold tropical effect that provides year-round interest in the garden.

Forming a compact, clump-forming habit when young, 'Paso Doble' eventually develops a slender trunk with age, giving it the appearance of a small palm. It typically reaches 2–3 metres in height with a spread of 1–1.5 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens, patios and feature planting.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Full sun produces the brightest foliage colours.
• Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and clay soils with good drainage.
• Improve heavy soils with compost and horticultural grit before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Position the plant so the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the stem.
• Space plants approximately 1.5–2 metres apart.

Care & Maintenance

Cordyline 'Paso Doble' is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry spells.
• Feed each spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Apply fresh mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil fertility.
• Remove weeds from around the base.
• Container-grown plants require more frequent watering during warm weather.
• Protect young plants from severe winter winds and prolonged frost.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required.

• Remove old or damaged lower leaves by cutting them cleanly from the stem.
• Remove flower stems after flowering if desired.
• Trim away any frost-damaged foliage in spring once new growth appears.
• Avoid cutting the growing tip, as this is where new foliage develops.
• Use clean, sharp secateurs when removing leaves.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Cordyline australis 'Paso Doble'
• Common Name: Cabbage Palm 'Paso Doble'
• Plant Type: Evergreen architectural shrub
• Mature Height: 2–3 metres
• Spread: 1–1.5 metres
• Flower Colour: Creamy white (on mature plants)
• Flowering Period: June to July
• Foliage: Deep green, burgundy and pink-red
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Hardy throughout most of Ireland and the UK; protect young plants during severe frost.

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Cordyline 'Paso Doble' is perfect for creating an architectural focal point.

• Specimen planting
• Contemporary gardens
• Coastal gardens
• Patio containers
• Courtyard gardens
• Mediterranean-style gardens
• Gravel gardens
• Mixed borders
• Urban gardens
• Exotic planting schemes

It combines beautifully with Phormium, Agapanthus, Hebe, Yucca, Fatsia, Carex, Libertia, ornamental grasses and evergreen shrubs.

Seasonal Interest

• Colourful evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.
• Bold upright habit creates strong architectural structure.
• Mature plants may produce fragrant creamy-white flower panicles in summer.
• Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.
• Evergreen foliage continues to brighten the garden throughout winter.

Common Problems

Cordyline 'Paso Doble' is generally healthy and reliable.

• Leaf damage may occur after severe frost or cold, drying winds.
• Root rot can develop in poorly drained soils.
• Slugs and snails may occasionally damage young plants.
• Older lower leaves naturally brown and can be removed.
• Planting in a sheltered, well-drained position and protecting young plants during severe winter weather will ensure healthy growth.

With its vibrant burgundy and pink foliage, elegant upright form and evergreen nature, Cordyline australis 'Paso Doble' is an excellent choice for adding year-round colour and architectural interest to Irish gardens. Whether planted as a specimen, in mixed borders or in large patio containers, it creates a striking focal point with very little maintenance

• Size
  2 lt

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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