
Cordyline, also known as ti plants, cabbage trees, or Hawaiian good luck plants, are a group of evergreen, tropical trees and shrubs native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. They are known for their colourful, elongated leaves and their ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis, which is native to New Zealand and can be grown from seed. While it typically takes years to develop sizeable plants, some varieties of Cordyline australis grow slower than others. For example, green-leaved forms are the largest and fastest-growing, reaching around 5 meters high, while coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2.5-3 meters high. Additionally, certain cultivars like Cordyline Raspberry Fountain have a slow growth rate, taking several years to reach their full size.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growth rate | Slow-growing varieties include Cordyline Raspberry Fountain, which grows to a maximum height of 75 cm. Green-leaved varieties are the fastest-growing, reaching around 5 metres high. Coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2.5-3 m high. |
| Hardiness | Cordyline australis is the hardiest species and should survive outdoors in mild parts of the UK, especially in a sheltered spot. However, young plants and cultivars with coloured foliage are susceptible to winter damage. |
| Soil | Cordylines like fertile, well-drained soil. |
| Sunlight | Full sun is ideal for green-leaved cordylines, but light shade is preferable for those with colourful or variegated leaves, as strong sun can fade their hues. |
| Watering | Cordylines require little watering once established. When grown in containers, they need regular watering and feeding, and winter protection, except in mild areas. |
| Propagation | Cordylines can be grown from seed, but this takes years. They can also be propagated from suckers, which are shoots that arise from the base of the plant. |
| Pruning | Cordylines can be pruned to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. |
| Root system | Cordylines typically have a shallow, fibrous root system, making them well-suited for growing in containers. However, some species, such as Cordyline australis, can have more aggressive root systems and become invasive in some areas. |
| Temperature | Cordylines prefer warm, humid environments and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically between 18°C and 29°C. They are sensitive to frost and should be protected or brought indoors during cold weather. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cordyline australis 'Albertii' has variegated leaves and grows slower than green-leaved varieties
- Cordyline Raspberry Fountain is a slow-growing cultivar, reaching full size in several years
- Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower' has dark purple foliage and is less vigorous
- Cordyline australis 'Red Star' has bronze-red foliage and rarely grows larger than 2.5-3m
- Cordyline australis 'Sundance' has variegated leaves and is less vigorous than green-leaved varieties

Cordyline australis 'Albertii' has variegated leaves and grows slower than green-leaved varieties
Cordyline, also known as ti plants, cabbage trees, or Hawaiian good luck plants, are a group of evergreen, tropical trees and shrubs native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis, which is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, but there are cultivars with variegated, coloured, or multicoloured foliage.
One such cultivar is the Cordyline australis 'Albertii', which has variegated leaves and grows slower than green-leaved varieties. This variety is named after Albert, King of the Belgians, and has slender, multi-coloured leaves that are green, veined with red in the middle, striped with cream, and edged with pink. While it is not tremendously hardy, it can tolerate the frost experienced in cities and coastal areas. It is a slow-growing plant but can eventually reach a height of 6 metres and develop a proper trunk.
The green-leaved forms of Cordyline australis are the largest and fastest-growing, reaching around 5 metres high. On the other hand, coloured and variegated varieties like 'Albertii' are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2.5 to 3 metres high, and even less when grown in containers. The slower growth rate of 'Albertii' may be due to its preference for light shade, as strong sun can fade its rich hues.
In addition to 'Albertii', there are other cultivars of Cordyline australis with variegated leaves, such as 'Torbay Dazzler', which has green leaves boldly striped with cream, and 'Southern Splendour', which has unusual bicoloured leaves that are dark greyish-green with bright pink edges. These cultivars offer a range of colourful options for gardeners while also providing a slower growth rate compared to the green-leaved varieties.
Overall, Cordyline australis 'Albertii' is a striking and elegant variety of Cordyline australis, valued for its variegated leaves and slower growth habit, making it a unique and attractive choice for gardeners.
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Cordyline Raspberry Fountain is a slow-growing cultivar, reaching full size in several years
Cordyline, also known as ti plants, cabbage trees, Hawaiian good luck plants, or cabbage palm, is a group of evergreen, tropical trees and shrubs native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. They are known for their colourful, elongated leaves, which can range in colour from green to red, pink, and purple. The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis, which is native to New Zealand and has plain green leaves. However, there are also cultivars with variegated, coloured, or multi-coloured foliage.
One such cultivar is the Cordyline Raspberry Fountain, also known as the Cordyline Australis Raspberry Fountain. This cultivar is known for its striking, vibrant red and pink foliage, which forms a fountain-like shape. It is a relatively small plant, typically growing to a maximum height of around 75 cm high and 1 m wide. It is considered a slow-growing plant, but with proper care, it can reach its full size in several years.
As a Cordyline, the Raspberry Fountain prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures as long as it is protected from frost. It is also drought-tolerant, making it suitable for low-maintenance gardens. The Raspberry Fountain is a versatile plant that can be grown in the ground or in pots, and it can be used as an accent plant or as a focal point.
When compared to other Cordyline varieties, the Raspberry Fountain is indeed a slow-growing cultivar. For example, the green-leaved forms of Cordyline australis are the largest and fastest-growing, reaching around 5 metres high. On the other hand, coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2.5-3 metres high, and even less when grown in containers. Therefore, the Raspberry Fountain, with its maximum height of around 75 cm, is considered a slow-growing cultivar within the Cordyline genus.
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Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower' has dark purple foliage and is less vigorous
Cordyline, also known as ti plants, cabbage tree, Hawaiian good luck plants, or cabbage palm, is a group of evergreen, tropical trees and shrubs native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. They are known for their colourful, elongated leaves that can range in colour from green to red, pink, and purple. The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis, which is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, but there are also cultivars with variegated, coloured, or multicoloured foliage.
One such cultivar is the Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower', which has long, slender, strap-like leaves in a dark shade of plum-purple. It is also known as Dracaena 'Purple Tower' and has a dramatic and exotic appearance. While the green-leaved forms of Cordyline australis are the largest and fastest-growing, the coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2.5–3 metres high, and less when grown in containers. 'Purple Tower' is a moderate grower, reaching a height of 15 to 30 feet and a width of 6 to 10 feet.
Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower' is a versatile plant that can be grown in the ground, in pots, or even as bonsai. It can be used as an accent plant or as a focal point in a garden. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. While it is generally low maintenance, it requires regular watering and feeding when grown in containers, as well as winter protection in cold climates.
Cordyline australis 'Purple Tower' is a striking plant that adds a unique touch to any garden with its dark purple foliage. It is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add colour and elegance to their outdoor spaces.
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Cordyline australis 'Red Star' has bronze-red foliage and rarely grows larger than 2.5-3m
Cordyline, also known as ti plants, cabbage trees or Hawaiian good luck plants, are a group of evergreen, tropical trees and shrubs native to Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. They are known for their colourful, elongated leaves that can range in colour from green to red, pink and purple. The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis, which is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, but there are also cultivars with variegated, coloured or multicoloured foliage.
Cordyline australis 'Red Star' is a variety of C. australis that features bronze-red foliage. It is a colourful, evergreen shrub that adds instant drama to patios, borders and urban front gardens. It pairs well with gravel, grasses and tropical-style planting. This variety is hardy in most UK gardens and tolerates coastal conditions, although young plants should be protected in hard frosts.
Cordyline australis 'Red Star' rarely grows larger than 2.5–3m. The green-leaved forms of C. australis are the largest and fastest-growing varieties, reaching around 5 metres high. On the other hand, coloured and variegated varieties like 'Red Star' are less vigorous and rarely grow larger than 2.5–3m high, and even less when grown in containers.
Cordylines are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. They like a warm, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. They are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures as long as they are protected from frost. Full sun is ideal for green-leaved cordylines, but light shade is preferable for those with colourful or variegated leaves as strong sun can fade their rich hues.
Cordylines are generally low maintenance, needing little watering once established. However, when grown in containers, they require regular watering and feeding, and winter protection, except in mild areas. They can be grown in borders and containers, making them ideal for small gardens.
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Cordyline australis 'Sundance' has variegated leaves and is less vigorous than green-leaved varieties
Cordylines are known for their colourful, elongated leaves that can range in colour from green to red, pink, and purple. They are native to Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The most widely grown species is Cordyline australis, which is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, but there are cultivars with variegated, coloured, or multicoloured foliage.
Cordyline australis 'Sundance' is one such cultivar with variegated leaves. It has green leaves with a bright pink central stripe. It is a striking plant with vibrant and variegated foliage, featuring long, sword-shaped leaves with a combination of bright red and yellow colours. It typically reaches a height of around 3 to 5 feet and is well-suited to temperate and subtropical climates.
While green-leaved forms of Cordyline australis are the largest and fastest-growing, coloured and variegated varieties like 'Sundance' are less vigorous. They rarely grow larger than 2.5-3 metres high, and even less when grown in containers. Full sun is ideal for green-leaved cordylines, but light shade is preferable for those with variegated leaves, as strong sun can fade their rich hues.
Cordylines are generally low maintenance and need little watering once established. They can be grown in borders and containers, but they like a warm, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. They are widely available all year round in garden centres, tropical nurseries, and online suppliers. They come in a range of sizes, from small plants for summer bedding displays to large stand-alone specimens.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, coloured and variegated varieties of Cordyline australis grow slower and rarely grow larger than 2.5-3 metres high.
The slowest-growing variety of Cordyline australis is the Cordyline Raspberry Fountain, which grows to a maximum height of 75cm.
Cordyline australis is a low-maintenance plant that requires little watering once established. They grow well in containers and are ideal for small gardens. They prefer warm, humid environments and well-drained soil.
The right height for a Cordyline australis depends on the variety and your preference. Some varieties, like C. fruticosa, can be pruned to maintain a smaller shrub.
A Cordyline australis can grow about 1-2 meters every 5 years.









































