- Height 18-48 Inches
- Width 18-24 Inches
- Use as a thriller when using in containers
- Grow outdoors or as a houseplant!
This Dracaena is as dramatic as its name suggests. Ruby red margins stripe deep green leaves, originating from a gray trunk with scaly like overlaps, really are reminiscent of dragon scales and fiery breath. It is a fun landscape or container plant or houseplant in homes without pets. It is highly toxic to pets and cats especially seem to be drawn to its grass-like spikes. It is not harmful to humans, in fact it is listed as one of the air purifying plants recommended by NASA.
Native to Madagascar as the name also suggests, it is a perennial in Zones 10a through 11b. It loves hot summer temperatures, so in Zones 3-9, plant out in a sun to light shade area, or place in containers on a sunny patio. It does enjoy some light shade as too intense sun can burn the tips, though. All in all this is an easy annual to care for.
Cordylena Ruby Madagascar Dragon Tree Care
Requiring little more than well draining soil with a pH level of 5.8 to 6.4 and medium to high light to keep its colors bright, you will also find your dracaena will appreciate a light fertilizing once or twice in the season. It is susceptible to spider mites, particularly if the temperatures are warm and the environment quite dry. Thrips and mealy bugs can also be a problem, but use of a systemic pesticide will help to alleviate any worries these insects can cause. Use an average watering schedule as you do not want to let dracaena dry out completely. Note: it is important to use non-fluoridated water with most dracaenas as they can cause discoloration.
Deadheading is not required and pruning is discouraged as it can destroy the overall balance of the plant and slow new growth quite dramatically. It is already a slow grower that is not likely to overstep its bounds, so enjoy not having to have a heavy hand with this lovely plant. Should you experience tip burn due to dry out or too much intense sun, you may try to trim tips with a sharp pair of shears, although that may also create a dry edge to leaves. Prevention of tip burn is key.
Cordylena Ruby Madagascar Dragon Tree Spacing
Space this tall upright annual about 18 to 24 inches apart from other plants as it spreads 18 to 24 inches wide on its path to topping out at about 48 inches. Enjoy your Dragon Tree as a specimen plant in shallow containers, taking care not to cover the crown too deeply. Pairs well with supertunia, sedum and other sun loving annuals with cool colors to create an amazing color combination for your garden.
Cordylena® Ruby Madagascar Dragon Tree Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 |
| Flower Color(s): Grown for Foliage |
| Foliage Color(s) Red |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
| Height Class: Tall |
| Height: 18-48 Inches |
| Spread: 18-24 Inches |
| Spacing: 18-24 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Watering: Average |
| Drought Tolerant: No |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Use Types: Container, Houseplant, Landscape |
| Features: Low Maintenance, Foliage Interest, Deadheading Not Necessary |
| Maintenance: Easy |
| Scientific Name: Dracaena marginata 'Ruby' |
| Common Name: Cordylena® Ruby Madagascar Dragon Tree |
| Other Name(s): |
| Plant Type: Annual |
| Brand: Proven Selections |
- SKU:
- DRARU
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations