Variegated Baptist's Pandanus

Variegated Baptist's Pandanus (Pandanus baptistii 'Variegated') is the pandanus you can plant beside a path without regretting it. The leaves carry no spines at all, striped lengthwise in cream and green, and the plant stays compact at about 2.5m tall and 2m wide rather than pushing to the 4m of the common forms. It is slow, architectural, and holds its shape unaided.

Why you'll love it

• Thornless, which is the whole point. Most pandanus carry barbs down the leaf edge. This one does not, so it can sit beside a path or a pool fence.
• Bright variegation year round. Cream and green striping lifts a shaded corner.
• Compact and slow. At 2.5m by 2m it stays in scale with a courtyard, and it takes years to get there.
• Made for heat and salt. Heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and salt tolerant, so a hot coastal courtyard suits it.

Where it works best

Poolside. Spineless leaves and a plant that rarely flowers mean no barbs at ankle height and almost no litter in the water. Set it back about 1m from the coping.

Coastal gardens. Salt tolerance makes it a sound choice for a seaside block, planted where it gets sun and free draining ground.

Pots, courtyards and feature planting. A pot 500mm or wider holds it well and keeps it a little smaller again. Single plants read as sculpture, so one well placed specimen beats three scattered.

Growing Variegated Baptist's Pandanus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to partial shade, with the strongest variegation in good light. This is a tropical and subtropical plant and it is frost tender. Outside those zones, grow it in a pot that can move under cover for winter.

Soil. Free draining above all else, and coastal sand suits it. On heavier ground plant on a raised mound with coarse sand and compost worked through. Mulch 75mm deep, clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first two summers, then moderately, easing right off over winter. A controlled release fertiliser in early spring and midsummer keeps the colour strong.

Pruning. Almost none. Pull or cut the oldest lower leaves at the base once they brown off, which reveals the stem. Never cut the growing tip.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in four sizes: 200mm plants in packs of six, single 300mm and 400mm plants, and mature 400L specimens. The 200mm and 300mm plants are young rosettes at about knee height with no trunk yet. The 400mm is a step up, and the 400L a fully formed specimen.

Small sizes take several years to develop a stem, so buy the size you want to look at. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Compare the top pandanus varieties for Australian gardens.
• Browse plants for poolside gardens.
• See what else suits coastal areas.
• Look through our architectural plants.

Common questions

Does it really have no spines?

Correct. This is a spineless pandanus, so the leaf edges are smooth and safe to brush past. That is why it works around pools and entries where other pandanus would not.

Will it drop fruit into the pool?

Rarely, if at all. It seldom flowers in cultivation, so you avoid the heavy fruit that makes larger pandanus a nuisance near paving and water.

Can it handle frost?

No. It is frost tender and belongs in tropical and subtropical gardens. In cooler climates keep it potted and move it under cover before the first cold nights.

How big does it get in a pot?

Smaller than in the ground, usually settling around 1.5m to 2m in a 500mm container. Top dress each spring and repot every three or four years to keep it growing.