cordyline rubra

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Cordyline rubra, also known as Cordyline fruticosa 'Rubra', is an eye-catching, evergreen plant renowned for its vibrant reddish-pink foliage and architectural form. This hardy New Zealand favourite adds a lush, tropical feel to gardens big and small, making it a popular choice for both landscapers and home gardeners. Cordyline rubra brings a splash of colour to patios, borders, and container gardens, offering year-round interest and easy-care appeal. Whether you're looking to create a bold focal point, soften a fence line, or build up a vibrant mixed planting, cordyline rubra stands out as an adaptable and resilient option.

Cordyline fruticosa 'Rubra'

Cordyline fruticosa 'Rubra' is a vibrant tropical plant admired for its rich red to burgundy foliage that creates bold colour in New Zealand gardens and indoor spaces. The broad glossy leaves deliver strong visual impact and a lush exotic feel.

Cordyline fruticosa 'Rubra'

Suited to regions:
Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:
Shrubs
Height:
2.00 m
Spread:
1.25 m
Garden uses:
Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles:
Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical

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Striking Features of Cordyline rubra

Cordyline rubra is prized for its broad, glossy leaves that shift from deep green to brilliant shades of magenta, burgundy, and hot pink. As the plant matures, it forms a slender trunk, reaching around 1.5 to 3 metres tall, depending on growing conditions. Its colourful foliage contrasts beautifully with more neutral greens, making it ideal for pairing with plants like Cordyline australis, Cordyline Red Star, or even striking companion shrubs such as Leptospermum Keatleyii and Yucca Denby's Dream.

Recommended Growing Conditions

Cordyline rubra thrives in a well-drained soil and appreciates a sheltered position with plenty of indirect sunlight. It tolerates partial shade but produces its best colours in brighter spots. Moderate watering is required, especially for container plants, and a layer of mulch helps keep roots cool and moisture levels steady. In warmer regions of New Zealand, Cordyline rubra will cope well outdoors year-round, while cooler climates may require some winter protection. Feeding with a balanced fertiliser in spring will further enhance its striking foliage.

Uses in Garden Design

Cordyline rubra works beautifully in contemporary designs, tropical-inspired borders, and modern pots. Its upright growth makes it perfect in narrow planting strips or along walkways. Pair it with other colourful cordylines like Cordyline 'Raspberry Fountain' or Cordyline Lime Fountain for a dramatic effect, or combine with green-leafed shrubs like Euonymus 'Green Rocket' and Ilex Blue Angel for balanced, layered planting schemes. Cordyline rubra also makes a lively container feature for patios and entranceways, paired with flowering companions such as Fuchsia 'Wakatipu'.

Related Cordylines and Companions

If you love cordyline rubra, consider expanding your plant palette with other beautiful species like Cordyline albertii or Cordyline Red Star. These varieties offer complementary colours and forms, making them wonderful additions for layered, dynamic garden displays. Explore our range of cordylines and companion plants to create the perfect vibrant landscape in your New Zealand garden.

Cordyline rubra is a low-maintenance, high-impact plant that invites year-round colour and style, promising a bold addition to gardens, landscapes, and containers alike.

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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.