Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
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cordyline fruticosa red

Cordyline fruticosa red is a striking foliage plant admired throughout New Zealand gardens for its vibrant tones and architectural form. With lush, glossy leaves ranging from deep crimson to magenta, this tropical shrub instantly adds colour and flair to gardens, courtyards, and indoor spaces. Cordyline fruticosa red thrives in warm, sheltered areas, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking bold accents or subtropical ambience. Whether you’re looking to create a dramatic statement in a border, brighten up a patio container, or introduce year-round interest to your landscaping, this cordyline variety is a versatile and low-maintenance option.

Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves and scented spring flowers that attract birds. Ideal for coastal, rural, and urban landscapes, this low-maintenance tree adds height, texture, and native charm to any garden.

Buy Cordyline australis

From $16.13

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 8.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian

Cordyline Showoff

Cordyline 'Showoff' is a vibrant, clump-forming variety renowned for its striking, variegated foliage in pink, red, and green, which adds instant impact to New Zealand gardens. Growing to around 1–1.2 metres tall, it forms a compact, tidy shape perfect for borders, containers, or accent planting. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Hardy to light frosts and tolerant of coastal conditions, 'Showoff' is a low-maintenance choice for year-round colour.

Buy Cordyline Showoff

From $34.43

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 60 cm

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical

What makes Cordyline fruticosa red unique?

Cordyline fruticosa red stands out for its intense leaf colour: the broad, paddle-shaped leaves shimmer in shades from ruby red to purple and bronze, often displaying subtle pink highlights as new foliage emerges. This plant grows upright and reaches around 1.5 to 2 metres tall, forming an elegant, multi-stemmed clump. With its lush appearance, Cordyline fruticosa red pairs well with other tropicals or grasses, providing a superb contrast in mixed plantings.

Ideal growing conditions in New Zealand

Cordyline fruticosa red prefers warm, frost-free locations. Plant it in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It performs well in part shade but will show its best colours in bright, indirect sunlight. Shelter from strong winds helps maintain the leaf quality and vibrancy. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will keep the foliage lush and healthy. This cordyline can be grown outdoors in northern regions or as a striking indoor feature plant with proper care.

Uses for Cordyline fruticosa red

The bold foliage of Cordyline fruticosa red makes it ideal for modern gardens, subtropical landscapes, or as a showy container specimen. Use it as a focal point in a mixed border or group several together for dense, colourful screening. It’s also perfect for patios, entranceways, or conservatories, where its foliage creates a welcoming, exotic vibe. For those wanting to expand their cordyline collection, consider adding Cordyline fruticosa John Klass Red, which offers a similar dramatic effect.

Cordyline fruticosa red care tips

Maintaining Cordyline fruticosa red is easy: prune away damaged or old leaves to promote fresh growth and keep its form tidy. Feeding annually with a slow-release fertiliser encourages lush foliage. If grown indoors, ensure the plant has good light and humidity—mist the leaves occasionally to prevent drying. For more cordyline care tips and plant inspiration, explore the classic Cordyline fruticosa and unique cultivars like Cordyline 'Can Can' and Cordyline Showoff.

Complementary cordylines for colourful garden design

Cordyline fruticosa red works beautifully with other bold-leaved cordyline varieties. Try pairing it with the elegant Cordyline Red Star for contrast, or mix with multi-toned options for a dynamic, layered look. These combinations not only offer stunning visual appeal but also create easy-care, evergreen landscapes for homes and businesses alike.

Discover the transformative power of cordylines and bring unforgettable colour to your garden with Cordyline fruticosa red and related varieties.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.