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in this guide, you will learn everything you need to know to grow cordyline from planting, winter protection and even propagating them.
How to grow a Cordyline. From planting to general care and even propagation

How to grow a Cordyline. From planting to general care and even propagation

An excellent outdoor and indoor plant depending on the variety you choose to grow. Cordylines are decorative shrubs (or small trees) with brightly coloured foliage. You have the hardier and usually more common green Cordyline australis, also commonly known as a cabbage palm, to the more exotic-looking Red Star and Torbay Dazzler. These are just a few varieties to name a few. Originally from New Zealand, they are very popular in both the US and UK and the hardier green…

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Lavatera has soft foliage that is attractive to pests. In this guide, I show you what is probably eating your lavatera leaves & how to treat
What’s Eating My Lavatera leaves? 8 pests that could be snacking on your Lavatera

What’s Eating My Lavatera leaves? 8 pests that could be snacking on your Lavatera

Unlike diseases, pest attacks on Lavatera shrubs are easily identifiable because the damage shows up on the leaves or the flowers and if you are lucky, you may even see the pest actually snacking on the leaves of your Lavatera. In the cases of caterpillars and slugs, they leave holes in the leaves themselves, whereas pests such as scales will cause leaf discolouration and eventual defoliation. This is where the leaves actually fall from the plant, leaving it looking very…

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One of the most common questions I get asked is Do Cordylines flower? Learn more about what you need to do and more importantly what not to do
Do Cordylines Flower? This is what you need to know

Do Cordylines Flower? This is what you need to know

Cordylines, more commonly known as Cabbage Palms, are typically grown for their striking foliage. This striking foliage comes in an array of colours, from the more common green variety that you will often spot in a neighbour’s garden to the more exotic looking Red Star, Torbay Dazzler and Pink Sunrise Cordylines. Many people don’t think these palm-looking plants produce flowers, but in actuality, they can. However, not all Cordyline varieties can produce flowers. Varieties such as the Cordyline australis (the…

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Cordyline plants need winter protection so in this guide I will show you how to protect a Cordyline in winter and what you need to do.
How to protect a Cordyline over the winter

How to protect a Cordyline over the winter

Cordylines are hardy plants that prefer tropical climates but they can also survive in dry and colder climates. These palm-type trees do not thrive in the cold, despite them being evergreen. In cold weather, when the temperatures start to drop and the risk of a prolonged hard frost is high, most Cordylines will need some kind of protection to ensure they can survive the winter. Winter protection is crucial as it prevents the plants from getting slime flux. Slime flux…

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In this guide, I talk about how to revive a dying Cordyline. I first discuss possible reasons and then how to treat the issue.
How to Revive a Dying Cordyline and what to look out for

How to Revive a Dying Cordyline and what to look out for

Two of the most common questions I often get asked in regards to growing a Cordyline are “Why is my Cordyline dying?” and more importantly, “What can I do in an attempt to save it?” Whilst there is no guarantee that reviving the plant will actually work, there is no harm in trying it. So, what can you do to revive a Cordyline that is dying? The most common reason your Cordyline might be looking like it’s dying is usually…

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Growing Lavatera in pots
Growing Lavatera in Pots

Growing Lavatera in Pots

Subtle in appearance spotting elegant blooms, a Lavatera will draw cosmetic attention wherever they are placed. They possess abundant foliage that contrasts well with the bright blooms making them a garden favourite.   Are you curious about growing Lavatera in pots? Well, you have come to the right place! This article sheds light on when and how to grow these semi-evergreen plants in pots. You will also find tips on caring for your Lavatera in the long run. First things…

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Pests and Diseases That Attack Lavatera Plants
Pests and Diseases That Attack Lavatera Plants

Pests and Diseases That Attack Lavatera Plants

If you notice that your Lavatera shrub is discolouring or wilting, there is a high chance that they are suffering from disease or pest issues, the good news is that it is nearly always treatable. It is crucial to identify the culprit according to the symptoms displayed to employ a suitable treatment method. This is usually as simple as applying a pesticide for pests and fungicide for fungus infections such as Hollyhock rust and mildew. In the sections below, are…

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Why is my Lavatera wilting and how to revive it
Why is My Lavatera Wilting? Identifying The Problem & How To Treat

Why is My Lavatera Wilting? Identifying The Problem & How To Treat

Why is my Lavatera wilting? This is a common question that most people who are growing Lavatera ask at some point. Lavatera plants grow well without issues but sometimes problems like wilting arise. Wilting has various causes in a Lavatera and I will cover these in detail below. When you finish reading through the article, you will have an inkling of what is affecting your plants and how to solve it or if you need to completely replace your Lavatera….

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In this guide, I talk about why your Lavatera leaves might be turning yellow and what to do about it. Overwatering, pests, late fall and more
Why Are The Leaves on My Lavatera Turning Yellow?

Why Are The Leaves on My Lavatera Turning Yellow?

Lavatera is one of my favourite shrubs, but one common problem with them is that the leaves often start to turn yellow, especially on more established plants. If you notice your Lavatera’s leaves yellowing, there might be a problem. Instead of guessing what the problem could be, it is better to investigate and figure out what really going on. Firstly, I just want to highlight a couple of things you need to consider before jumping in and blaming pests or…

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Lavatera should in fact be cut back fairly hard and respond well to hard pruning once a year, the best time is early to mid spring. Learn more now
Should You Cut Back Lavatera?

Should You Cut Back Lavatera?

The simple answer is, yes, you should. Unless you have plans of letting them grow wild, cutting back Lavatera (also known as mallows) is beneficial for the overall health of the plant and its appearance. Many people have asked me this question because they are worried that cutting back Lavatera would be detrimental. In the information presented in this article, you will discover why pruning Lavatera is advantageous and how you should do it. In general Lavatera, usually the shrubby…

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