PLANT FINDER
Samurai Sword Sansevieria
Sansevieria ehrenbergii 'Samurai'
Height: 3 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 10a
Other Names: syn. Dracaena hanningtonii, Blue Sansevieria
Description:
An interesting unique variety that features pointed, sword-like succulent foliage grown in a stunning plaited, fan shape; perfect for indoor growing in containers or in rock gardens; easy to grow and low maintenance
Ornamental Features
Samurai Sword Sansevieria features dainty spikes of fragrant white flowers held atop the stems in mid spring. Its attractive large spiny sword-like leaves remain grayish green in color with hints of dark green throughout the year.
Landscape Attributes
Samurai Sword Sansevieria is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Samurai Sword Sansevieria is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- Container Planting
Planting & Growing
Samurai Sword Sansevieria will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Samurai Sword Sansevieria is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
Characteristics
Applications
Ornamental Features