Earlier in the year (way back in March) I posted a photo that showed the extent of the damage taken by Exmouth's plantings of
Cordyline australis. As one would expect, the seafront along this south facing stretch of coastline is usually very mild. Snow and frosts are rare. Wind is not! For many years, the
Cordylines had grown well and had reached impressive proportions.
Enter December 2010, a month of extreme cold, snow and ice. This is a month that gardeners all over the UK will remember for many years! Even mild Exmouth suffered, and so too did it's
Cordylines.
I am pleased to report that although virtually all of the
Cordylines had been defoliated, they are making a strong comeback! Some are shooting up multiple new growth points from the base, whilst others are shooting from the main trunk or branches. A happy sight! Hopefully the new growth will survive the next few winters, go on to form new branches of their own, and disguise the current rather disfigured look that is seen at the moment.
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| Damaged Cordyline australis, March 2011 |
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| Regrowth, August 2011 |
From a gardeners perspective, there is some debate over how to handle the new growth. Should one remove all but a few of the new growing points and have the plant put all it's energy into growing these fewer new branches? Or should the plant be left to it's own devices, and all growth points be left to do their thing? Perhaps it comes down to personal taste. Personally, I favour not interferring and am just pleased to see the plants recovering!
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