Reader's question

FRANCES from Billingham has had a cordyline plant in his garden for four years. It is his pride and joy.

The leaves now stand on a small trunk, and he wraps it carefully up in fleece every winter.

It looks like it is about to flower as it has put up a big spike from the centre of the leaves. He has heard that they die after flowering and wonders if he should cut the flowers off in order to try and save the plant.

He also wants to know what to do with the old tattered leaves.

Can he cut them off as well?

CORDYLINE shrubs (or cabbage palms) are generally considered delicate plants, but they flourish well and will tolerate a reasonable amount of frost. However, the real killer is usually cold wet roots. The plant grows on a single trunk, but often, after flowering, the growing tip will divide producing a few short branches, each with their head of long thin leaves.

Mature trees may develop into a classic lollipop shape. Several plants may be positioned close together when small, which forces the trunks to grow away from each other and produce an impressive focal point for the garden.

The dead leaves often remain attached to the trunk. These hold considerable amounts of moisture, which in their native habitat is possibly a life saver, but our damp climate should provide all the plant’s requirements from the ground roots. It is usually better and much tidier to remove the leaves from the trunk with a gentle pull. If they do not come away easily, cut them off close to the trunk.

Cordylines can flower as early as three years after sowing, on a well-grown plant, but usually the first flowers develop after five to seven years. The magnificent sprays of small scented flowers develop in May and June.

It is very rare for the flowering to lead to the death of the plan, but it will usually fork and grow several trunks from this point, each of these flowering in spring to fill the garden with a heady scent on still days, giving rewards even when out of sight.

The flower spikes should be cut down immediately after flowering as otherwise the seedlings will be popping up all over your garden.

If you retain the heads on the plants to allow seeds to mature, cut off the stalks after collection as the stiff brown spikes can spoil the symmetry of the plant.

Don’t worry or despair, flower spikes are just a matter of aesthetics and not one of life or death for the cordyline.

■ Brigid co-presents the BBC Tees Green, Gardening and Great Outdoors show every Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

Questions can be answered on the day by emailing brigid.press@bbc.co.uk anytime during the week, or texting 07786-200995 and phoning 01642-225511 during the show.

Written queries can be addressed to Brigid at Lazy Dayz Plant Centre, Farm Road, Houghall, Durham, DH1 3SG