Looking for a new tree for your garden?
If the Dragon Tree isn’t one that you have considered yet, read on. Chances are, this bold designer tree will soon make its way to the top of your “must-have” list.
Dramatic Architectural Features
If you’re looking to add a dramatic new focal point to your garden, the Dragon Tree won’t let you down. It has an impressively thick trunk that can grow up to 12 metres in height, and although the tree is slow growing, it will continue to branch out as it matures, making even more of a statement as each year passes.
Evergreen Foliage
Every garden needs at least one evergreen tree to provide some greenery throughout the colder seasons. The narrow blue/green leaves that sit atop a Dragon Tree stick around all year, with its umbrella-like canopy adding a lush tropical quality to a garden, even in the middle of the winter.
Easy to Care For
There are several different Dracaena species out there, and most are known for not being able to handle the cold very well. This is where the Dragon Tree really stands out, as it is more cold tolerant than other species, making it suitable for growing throughout Australia.
The Dragon Tree is also known for being both salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant once established, and will grow in just about any soil type. Harsh winds aren’t a problem either and pruning isn’t required, making this a very easy tree to care for.
Can Be Grown in Pots
It’s not often that you find a truly statement-making tree that does well in pots, but this is what makes the Dragon Tree suitable for both small and large gardens. Even if you just have a balcony, a patio, or a sunny windowsill indoors, the Dragon Tree will thrive in a pot, so long as you ensure that your potting mix is well-draining.
If you plan on planting your Dragon Tree in a pot, choose one that’s a suitable size and material. The tree will be harder to repot as it grows, so look for some quality large GRC pots from the start – these are strong but lightweight, and are the best choice for a Dragon Tree. If you can’t find one at your local garden centre, there are plenty of online pots available to choose from.
A Vulnerable Species
The Dragon Tree was first introduced to Australia in the early colonial days. It is believed that a now-extinct, dodo-like bird brought the seeds over from the Canary Islands, which is how the Dragon Tree started growing in the wild in Australia.
Sadly, the extinction of the bird meant that seeds were no longer being brought over, meaning that wild Dragon Trees started dropping in numbers. It is now listed as a critically-threatened species, which is exactly why it is so important to bring this tree back through sustainable cultivation, ensuring that generations to come will be able to enjoy this truly majestic piece of nature.