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Key characteristics

Family: Asparagaceae
Height: 15 to 20 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Long, narrow green leaves with creamy yellow margins
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; remove dead leaves to maintain appearance
Growing zone: USDA zones 9a to 11
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers may attract pollinators

Perennials

Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler'

Torbay Dazzler Giant Dracaena

Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler' is an evergreen, palm-like tree native to New Zealand, known for its dramatic, variegated foliage. It features long, sword-shaped leaves with bold cream stripes running along the center and edges, accented by subtle green tones. In summer, mature plants produce clusters of small, fragrant white flowers, adding seasonal interest.

The arching leaves form a fountain-like shape, giving the plant a strong architectural presence. The crisp variegation adds a bright, luminous quality to garden borders, containers, or coastal landscapes, offering year-round visual appeal.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)