Dragon Tree
The Dragon Tree ‘Dracaena draco’ is grown for the strong architectural look that it brings to the garden. And although it is originally from tropical areas such as the Canary Islands it grows well in a range of climate zones.
Popular with landscapers due its dramatic form that makes a it great specimen tree.
Smaller trees are readily available for sale and these can be grown indoors, larger specimens can be expensive because of the slow growing nature or the tree.
Over time they can reach around 5-6 metres (15-20ft) in height, with a spread or crown around 3m (10ft) depending on conditions. The root system is not regarded as invasive, however the plant does contain saponins which can be harmful to cats.
Adaptable in that they grow well in cooler climates as well as warmer area, and thus are popular from Melbourne to Brisbane, across to Perth.
Dragon Trees can make a great decorative feature tree, with its spiky foliage a hardy long living tree, with some specimens hundreds or years old. Dracaena marginata is the ‘Red Edged Dragon Tree’.
Care and Uses
This is a drought tolerant once established and its strong architectural qualities make it popular with landscape designers.
The Dragon Tree is a slow growing tree that requires full sun for best growth, it can be grown in filtered light indoors, however growth rate will be slower.
This is not a plant that requires a lot of water, outdoors in the garden it will require little to no water once established. Indoors, in containers, water when the soil begins to dry.
Specimens are available with both single and multiple crowns, they do create very different effects in the landscape. A multi crowned tree can look great as a feature, single crowns can look good planted in groups. All will become multi crowned as they age.
The very thick trunk and the spiky strap leafed foliage give the Dragon Tree a look of its own. A excellent alternative to palm trees.
Trees will produce flowers in time, followed by masses of seeds carried high above the foliage. (see picture right)
Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) for sale in Australia
In Melbourne Try
685 Mickleham Rd, GreenVale,Vic 3059
Grass trees, palms, ferns, bromeliads, cycads, cordylines, yucca, bannanas, birds of paradise, succulents, dracaenas, ponytails, for all gardens sizes from small to large landscaped gardens. Advanced Date Palms available.
www.palmnursery.com.au/index.htm
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
Online and Retail Melbourne and Geelong based garden centres. Check out their large range of indoor and outdoor plants, Australian Natives, Fruit Trees and Edibles, Succulents, Gardenias, Camellias, Hydrangeas plus a full range garden products for delivery in Melbourne.
www.diacos.com.au
In Brisbane and Gold Coast Try
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au
Other Nurseries
RORAIMA NURSERY
20 Swan Street, Lara, Vic. 3212 Contact: Ph/Fax: (03) 5282 8704
Mail Order and Retail NurseryCacti and succulents. Wide range of trees, palms, ferns, shrubs & perennials.
PARADISE DISTRIBUTORS – 07 5441 5921