Dracaena draco
Dragon Tree or Dragon's Blood Tree

The Dragon Tree is a rare subtropical tree that is endemic to Canary Islands, Madeira & Cape Verde, where only a few specimens can be found growing naturally on the islands of Tenerife and La Palma, in dry bush at the low elevations of the islands' rocky mountain ranges. Many ancient examples are 20 to 30 feet tall and believed to be up to a thousand years old.

These fabulous evergreen plants typically grow a thick single trunk topped with a dense crown of stiff sword shaped gray-green leaves up to 2 feet long and 1 1/2 inches wide. When they reach blooming size, they will produce new branches after each bloom, eventually creating a dense umbrella-shaped canopy of thick leaves. Dragon trees produce hundreds of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers that are borne on a branched spike. The fruits are pea-sized, bright orange, and very fleshy. The Dragon Tree grows very slowly, commonly to around 8-15 feet tall and wide.

Also known, as the Dragon's Blood Tree because when the trunk or branch is cut or scarred it produces red sap that resembles blood. The processed "Dragon's Blood" was believed to harness mystical powers and was used in the mummification process and other rituals. Because of its various medicinal and magical properties, it was sought by various cultures around the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa. Today the Dragon's Blood is still in use to produce a hard, shiny furniture polish.

The Dragon Tree is related to Agave and Yucca and makes a spectacular accent plant that blends well in either tropical or arid gardens. They can tolerant light frost and can be grown in the landscape in Zones 9b-12. Plant in full sun or light shade. The Dragon Tree requires very fast draining soil, allow the soil to dry out between watering and provide little or no water in winter. The Dragon Tree is perfect for containers and can be grown indoors with sufficient light.

Dracaena draco
Dragon Tree or Dragon's Blood Tree

USDA Zones 9B-11, Minimum Temp - 28º F
Shade or Light Shade - Plant in fast draining soil
Provide little or no water in winter