Courtenay Vanderbilt
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Cordyline
Plant Common Name
Cordyline
General Description
The genus Cordyline is made up of about 20 species of lance-leaved shrubby perennials. All are grown for their attractive and colorful foliage and most are native to southeastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. One species calls South America home.
These tropical plants generally have an upright, tree-like form. The stems are thin, usually un-branched and woody. The long leaves may be sword or lance-shaped and are clustered in rosettes at the ends of upright semi-woody stems. They may be stiff or leathery attached directly to the stem.
Though not usually grown for their flowers, most species produce small blooms held on branched clusters that rise from the ends of the stems. The flowers are often fragrant and cup-shaped. Small, rounded, berry-like fruit in shades of white, red, blue or purple follow.
Many cultivars exist in a wide variety of forms and colors. Popular species include Hawaiian Ti (Cordyline fruticosa) that offers brilliant leaves in shades of magenta, dark green, red, yellow and hot pink and is grown in tropical landscapes worldwide. New Zealand Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) has stiff leathery leaves and resembles Dracaena and the recently introduced hybrid Cordyline 'Jurred', also known as Festival Grass, is a clump-former with sword-shaped burgundy-purple foliage.
Culture and hardiness is species dependent, but most Cordyline prefer sunny to partly shady, warm conditions. The soil should be very well drained. They tend to be drought tolerant, but look best with an occasional application of water. Grow these tropical beauties in containers or conservatories where they are not hardy.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Native To
South America, Southeastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand
Growing Conditions
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Pink
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Fruit Color
White, Red, Blue, Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
