Hi there, anyone know what this is ,maybe cordyline ? it has started getting brown leaves ?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by ashley1234, Apr 19, 2021.

  1. ashley1234

    ashley1234 Gardener

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  2. Sheal

    Sheal Total Gardener

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    Yes, it's a cordyline. As it grows the lower leaves will die and drop off.
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      It's usually the leaves at the bottom that die off, so those brown leaves at the top are a concern. It has been very dry (around the SE anyway) Whereabouts are you? - is it lack of water?
       
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      • ashley1234

        ashley1234 Gardener

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        Hi , i am in southern part of Hampshire, and it has been dry lately, the plant was there when i moved here about 30 years ago .First time this has happened , so maybe lack of water ?
         
      • ashley1234

        ashley1234 Gardener

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        Hi ,any idea of variety please . I know the bottom leaves drop but there are brown leaves developing at top , very dry lately here in Hampshire , could it be lack of water ?
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          I think it's frost damage.
          Did you get a spell of strong freezing winds in February.

          The variegated cordylines are usually less hardy than the plain green ones.

          Personally I'd be very surprised if it was lack of water as they are pretty drought tolerant.
           
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          • ashley1234

            ashley1234 Gardener

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            Yes there were a lot of frosts and cold winds in Febuary and March ,so maybe your right , thanks for info.:)
             
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            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              I would guess at Cordyline Australis Variegata Ashley.

              I agree with Pete. It's probably frost damage on the top leaves.
               
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              • ashley1234

                ashley1234 Gardener

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                Yes ,it looks like its that , it seems the variegated are not as hardy .Thanks for your info .:)
                 
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                • Flumpy

                  Flumpy In with the bricks!

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                  26A3E1E0-9CF4-4ECA-8FCD-9F972687B7FE.jpeg
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                  This year they have been hit bad with frost, do I need to cut them right back ?? Or leave as they are ?
                   
                • pete

                  pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                  Is that a cordyline or was it a Phormium?
                  It looks dead TBH.
                   
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                  • Flumpy

                    Flumpy In with the bricks!

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                    Sorry Pete it’s a Phormium, ho dear :sad: so it’s dead then , I have two, and also my Cordyline I wrapped it and put a protection cover on but just looked and all leaf have fallen off but there is a green soft bit at the top, so keeping my fingers crossed.
                     
                  • wiseowl

                    wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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                    Hi @Flumpy I'd give it a chance you have nothing to lose don't water it for a while ,although your plant may wilt significantly and can even look dead, they will often come back if you look after it well ,if your plant has been frost damaged, cut off the dead foliage with a sharp pair of gardening scissors or secateurs.give it a feed, and give it some time, and new growth may well emerge,it worked for me;):smile:
                     
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                    • Flumpy

                      Flumpy In with the bricks!

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                      Ho thanks Wiseowl you’ve given me hope, I’ll give them both a chop back and keep my fingers & toes crossed, thanks both of you for you good advice and information :)
                       
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                      • pete

                        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                        What looks dead, isn't always dead, but its had a pounding, it mostly depends on how prepared you are to wait and see what happens.
                        It would have stood a better chance if it was planted in the ground as the container probably froze solid and that way the roots are more likely to die along with the top growth.
                         
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