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DRACAENA fragrans

Image of Dracaena fragrans

Forest & Kim Starr

Family

Agavaceae

Botanical Name

DRACAENA fragrans

Plant Common Name

Corn Plant, Dracaena

General Description

Corn plant is a slow-growing, upright evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa. Its lush, arching leaves are sword-shaped and rise from upright stems. These are concentrated towards the upper part of the stems and look somewhat like the blades of corn plants. Mature landscape specimens produce long panicles of strongly scented white flowers in late summer to fall, followed by orange fruit.

Where hardy, corn plant may be grown in a sheltered, sunny site in fertile, well-drained soil. The leaves can become tattered in wind, so refrain from planting it in open, windy locations. Indoor specimens grow best in bright, indirect light and require high ambient humidity as well as consistent warmth. They also tend to grow better in denser, soil-based potting medium.

Corn plant cuttings root easily and can even be grown in water. They are commonly sold in the trade as "lucky bamboo" though they are not truly related to bamboo. The water-grown cuttings can be planted in soil once they begin to lose vigor.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H2, 21, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    4'-50' / 1.2m - 15.2m (25)

  • Width

    3'-10' / 0.9m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall

  • Native To

    Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Orange

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No