Dragon Tree, is a slow growing, very long-lived succulent tree, eventually reaching 15m in height with a trunk of 5m or more in circumference. The bark is very smooth and becomes more rough as it ages. The leaves are long and tough, resembling yucca, but with a rounded tip rather than a sharp point. They are shed from the trunk when they die, leaving attractive scars on the stem.
At about 10–15 years of age, the stem stops growing and produces a flower spike with white, lily-like, fragrant flowers, followed by orange berry-like seeds in clusters on a long stem, making an attractive display. Soon a crown of terminal buds appears, and the plant begins to branch out. Each branch will grow for about 10–15 years and branch out again. A mature plant has an umbrella-like habit. It grows slowly, taking about 10 years to reach a height of 1.2 metres.
Good for coastal landscapes as it tolerates wind, salt spray and salty soils. It will grow in poor, stony soil, but will grow faster in more fertile soil. The best time to plant a Dragon Tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.
It is a subtropical tree, native to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, western Morocco and possibly introduced to the Azores. Established trees can withstand frost, but young trees can be damaged at the point of growth. As a result, they often sprout several new branches from the damaged tip in the spring. The largest trees are often those grown in yards or sheltered by walls or buildings.
We are a plant nursery in the Algarve specialising in dry mediterranean species. We propagate and grow our own stock in conditions they are likely to endure when they are planted out.
We grow plants that are adapted to the dry land conditions in Portugal and southern Spain, both mediterranean perennials and succulents.
We choose plants that require very little water and maintenance. We produce a range of dry land plants that are typical of the worlds mediterranean regions. These are available to order ready for planting in the wetter months of the year. Please order the plants you need and we’ll have them ready at the best time for planting.
To ensure your new plants adapt and establish quickly, we produce them in special anti-spiral root pruning containers and a range of fibre pots (no plastic waste) with our own tried and tested growing media.
Viveiros Jardimseco
Tavira, Algarve
Please note we have no retail outlet or garden centre and are not open to the public. For more information you can contact us here.
Plantas adaptadas à seca - produzimos plantas adaptadas às condições de Portugal e Sul de Espanha, tanto espécies mediterrânicas como suculentas.
Oferecemos uma gama de espécies típicas das zonas climáticas mediterrânicas em todo o mundo.