Variegated Dwarf Pandanus Earns Stripes in Southwest Florida

Variegated Dwarf Pandanus carries tropical clout in Southwest Florida with long strappy leaves striped in stunning green and yellow. It’s one of those “love at first sight” plants you’ll fall even harder for when you see how little care this exotic specimen requires.

The Dwarf Pandanus, or Pandanus baptistii, is related to the noble screw pine, or Pandanus utilis. You’ll see it grown as a striking ornamental grass or as lush full bushes reaching a max height of five feet. Shrub-like clumps make this perennial a great space filler, so allow for room when planting. They tend to sprawl. Part shade or sun is fine, although too much sun may scorch the leaves. We like them in filtered light, where their showy leaves literally glow with golden color. They’re generally pest-free and are salt-tolerant, too.

Come installation time, you can pretty much plant in well-drained soil and leave them alone, although you’ll want to water regularly during the growing seasons (just don’t let them stand in water). Once established, they can be drought tolerant. Just keep an eye on them at first.

No pruning is required — any withered leaves can be easily removed. For the most part, though, you can just step back and admire. Breathtaking foliage gracefully arches up and tapers down as if to make a point: “Do we look good or what?” This is a dream snowbird plant for Florida part-time residents.

Already envisioning where your Variegated Dwarf Pandanus might go? The award-winning designers at ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design are happy to meet with you and recommend colorful plant pairings. Let’s find the perfect spot in your landscape for this gorgeous ornamental. Contact Jenni Lassen to get your design plan started at 941.488.8897 or jennil@artistree.com. ArtisTree is nationally ranked and proudly serves Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

Category News, Plant selection, Shrubs