Cordylines are susceptible to rust disease. That’s what you have there imo.

and you better fix that before it has to go back in the greenhouse .. or if you cant.. destroy it ...

ken

Cordylines do not have to be in a greenhouse in California :-) They don't even need a greenhouse here in most parts of the PNW!

I agree with floral that it is a fungal issue - rust or leaf spot are both common cordyline afflictions but can be treated. IME, the red leafed forms are more inclined to this problem than the green.

RUST ! AHH! Yes gardengal48. No reason to have a GH in beautiful California lol. I'm talking more in general about those who grow this variety year round outdoors. From what I have seen that is THE hot spot for them(California). None of the new growth is affected which I'm happy about. I will look into that. Thanks guys much appreciated!

I have two in my inherited garden up here by Puget Sound that are a good 15-20' tall and are at least 30 years old. But just the green leaf form......red leaf cordylines like Red Star have a reputation for being a bit less cold tolerant.

That sounds beautiful! I was out in Vancouver last fall and was amazed at the green ones that were everywhere. I knew they grew there but to ssee some of those tres in person I was so happy.

So I just did some checking back in old photos. I have had it late winter for the past 3 years. It does out grow it and not having to treat it. I always thought it was from the cooler temps in Jan, now I know! As far as I have noticed nothing around it gets infected.

Sharper winter in Seattle area several years ago killed off red ones in locations where green ones held up. As in red completely dead, green not.

The discoloration you are asking about is very common on these up here. Apart from them being apt to freeze down to the root crown rather often except in the mildest locations in view of salt water this spottiness keeps me from buying and planting any.