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cordyline ruby

Cordyline ruby is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking vibrant foliage and easy-care plants. With its striking ruby red leaves, Cordyline ruby brings eye-catching colour and year-round interest to gardens across New Zealand. Whether you’re refreshing a modern landscape, adding bold accents to containers, or edging a pathway, Cordyline ruby stands out for its versatility and strong visual impact. This hardy shrub thrives in a range of conditions and offers plenty of style for both novice and seasoned gardeners. On this page, you'll discover tips for planting, caring for, and styling Cordyline ruby, as well as how it compares with other popular Cordyline varieties.

Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

5 from 3 customers

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.

From $16.49

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 australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.

Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This eye catching form adds brightness and structure to New Zealand gardens while maintaining a strong architectural presence.

From $340.69

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.50 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical
Cordyline 'Jade Fountain' plant.
Cordyline 'Jade Fountain'

Cordyline 'Jade Fountain' is a graceful evergreen plant admired for its arching jade green foliage and elegant fountain like form. The soft flowing...

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Cordyline stricta plants growing in their native setting.
Cordyline stricta

Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush...

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A stunning Cordyline 'Salsa' plant with pink and purple striped foliage.
Cordyline 'Salsa'

Cordyline 'Salsa' is a striking evergreen foliage plant valued for its colourful, sword shaped leaves and strong architectural form. The vibrant...

From$25.95
Cordyline 'Broadsword' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Cordyline 'Broadsword'

Cordyline 'Broadsword' is a smaller variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, and features broad, bright green leaves held on a small tree. It...

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Cytisus 'Ruby' shrub with masses of red flowers.
Cytisus 'Ruby'

Cytisus 'Ruby' is a vibrant spring flowering shrub known for its masses of deep ruby red pea shaped blooms that brighten sunny NZ gardens. This hardy...

From$27.53
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Gleditsia 'Ruby Lace' (Honey Locust)

Gleditsia 'Ruby Lace' is a striking deciduous tree admired for its finely textured foliage that emerges rich ruby red before maturing to deep...

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Cercis 'Ruby Falls'

Cercis 'Ruby Falls' is a spectacular weeping deciduous ornamental tree admired for its masses of rosy pink flowers that appear on bare branches in...

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Ficus elastica 'Ruby' plants with colourful foliage.
Ficus 'Ruby'

Ficus 'Ruby' is a popular indoor plant owing to its amazing, tri-coloured foliage. The large, glossy leaves are variegated with dark red, pink, and...

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Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' white flowers tinged with pink and lush, green foliage.
Pandorea 'Ruby Heart'

Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' carries glossy, dark green foliage, which is aesthetic in its own right. The foliage is adorned with showy clusters of...

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Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' red stems.
Rhubarb 'Ruby Red'

Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' is a popular heritage rhubarb variety prized for its vibrant red stalks and excellent flavour. This productive perennial performs...

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Grapefruit 'Star Ruby' fruit with red flesh.
Grapefruit 'Star Ruby'

Grapefruit 'Star Ruby' is a variety of grapefruit that produces good yields of medium-sized, golden coloured fruit that are mostly seedless. The...

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Cordyline bauera plants with purple foliage.
Cordyline baueri

Cordyline baueri is an impressive evergreen tree valued for its bold tropical appearance and broad glossy green leaves. Native to coastal regions, it...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline australis 'Kirkii' with lush green foliage.
Cordyline Kirkii

Cordyline Kirkii is a hardy New Zealand native admired for its slender arching green foliage and elegant form. This evergreen plant brings a soft...

OUT OF STOCK
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Cordyline Superstar

Cordyline Superstar is a striking evergreen plant admired for its broad glossy green leaves edged with rich red tones. The bold variegation and...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline fruticosa plants with lush, green foliage.
Cordyline fruticosa

Cordyline fruticosa, commonly known as the Ti Plant, is a striking tropical foliage plant admired for its vibrant red, pink, or green leaves. In New...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Zumba' plant with dark red-pink foliage.
Cordyline Zumba

Cordyline Zumba is a lively evergreen plant admired for its vibrant mix of red, pink, and green tones that bring bold colour to New Zealand gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline Showoff with green foliage growing by a shop against a black wall.
Cordyline 'Showoff'

Cordyline 'Showoff' is a vibrant, clump-forming variety renowned for its striking, variegated foliage in pink, red, and green, which adds instant...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-albertii-chardonnay-
Cordyline Chardonnay

Cordyline Chardonnay is a striking evergreen plant admired for its elegant green leaves striped with soft creamy yellow tones. The bright variegation...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Cardinal' plant with rich-purple leaves.
Cordyline 'Cardinal'

Cordyline 'Cardinal' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its rich burgundy red foliage that adds bold colour to New Zealand gardens year round...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline fruticosa 'Glauca' large plant.
Cordyline 'Glauca'

Cordyline 'Glauca' is a distinctive evergreen plant admired for its cool blue green foliage that brings subtle contrast and year round structure to...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline pumilio plant (Dwarf Cabbage Tree).
Cordyline pumilio (Dwarf Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline pumilio, commonly known as the Dwarf Cabbage Tree or Ti Koraha, is a compact New Zealand native plant ideal for ground cover and...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline Cabernet plant with dark red leaves.
Cordyline 'Cabernet'

Cordyline 'Cabernet' is a bold evergreen plant admired for its rich wine red foliage and strong upright growth habit. The glossy strap like leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline fruticosa 'Caruba Black' plant with dark foliage.
Cordyline 'Caruba Black'

Cordyline 'Caruba Black' is a bold evergreen plant admired for its deep near black foliage that creates dramatic contrast in New Zealand gardens. The...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Renegade' plants in a border planting.
Cordyline 'Renegade'

Cordyline 'Renegade' is a compact, clump-forming variety known for its rich, dark purple to nearly black foliage, which adds bold contrast to...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Raspberry Fountain' plants with colourful pink foliage.
Cordyline 'Raspberry Fountain'

Cordyline 'Raspberry Fountain' is a stunning, compact variety featuring cascading leaves in vibrant pink and deep burgundy tones. Its elegant...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-fruticosa-negra-
Cordyline 'Negra'

Cordyline 'Negra' is a dramatic evergreen plant prized for its deep burgundy almost black foliage that creates bold contrast in New Zealand gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-purple-tower-3
Cordyline 'Purple Tower'

Cordyline 'Purple Tower' is a bold evergreen plant admired for its tall upright form and deep purple foliage. The strong vertical growth and rich...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline fruticosa 'Tangelo' plant with orange and green foliage.
Cordyline 'Tangelo'

Cordyline 'Tangelo' is a vibrant evergreen plant admired for its warm orange and bronze toned foliage that brings bold colour to New Zealand gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Ceratopetalum Rubies n Lace shrub with red-green foliage and white flowers.
Ceratopetalum 'Rubies n Lace'

Ceratopetalum 'Rubies n Lace' is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its finely textured foliage and masses of colourful red to...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Pink Passion' plants with colourful, pink leaves.
Cordyline 'Pink Passion'

Cordyline 'Pink Passion' is a hybrid variety of cabbage tree that features narrow, hot pink leaves. It grows with an upright habit, reaching 1.2 m in...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cercis, Cordyline, and Cytisus, or related Categories - Flaxes, Indoor Plants, and Deciduous Shrubs.

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What Makes Cordyline Ruby Unique?

Cordyline ruby is treasured for its glossy, broad leaves, which show off vibrant hues from deep magenta to bright red. As it matures, the plant forms a tidy, upright cluster that reaches about 1.5 metres tall. This makes Cordyline ruby perfect for accent planting, mass groupings, or statement pots. The vivid colour remains strong throughout the year, even in full sun, lending gardens an exotic, tropical touch that's both elegant and robust.

Cordyline ruby is also low-maintenance. It tolerates coastal conditions, adapts to light frosts, and recovers quickly from pruning. Its resilience makes it ideal for New Zealand’s variable climates—from urban patios to rural plots.

Growing Cordyline Ruby in New Zealand

To get the best colour from Cordyline ruby, plant in full sun to part shade. Well-drained soil is essential, and Cordyline ruby adapts readily to both clay and sandy sites when planted with care. Water well during the first year, but don’t overdo it—Cordyline ruby prefers soil that dries out between watering. In colder regions, mulch around the base to protect from frost.

Cordyline ruby is relatively pest-free and requires little feeding. An annual application of slow-release fertiliser in spring is enough to keep foliage lush. Prune away any older leaves to encourage new growth and maintain the ruby colouring.

Styling With Cordyline Ruby

Cordyline ruby pairs beautifully with grasses, flaxes, and native shrubs. Its lively colour offers contrast to green backgrounds and complements silvery foliage. Plant as focal points in borders or group several Cordyline ruby plants for dramatic effect. In pots, Cordyline ruby makes a dazzling addition to patios and entranceways.

Many gardeners use Cordyline ruby alongside other Cordyline varieties for a layered, textural look. Explore the lime and bronze tones of Cordyline baueri, or add golden highlights with Cordyline Superstar. For more tropical flair, consider the glossy leaves of Cordyline fruticosa, or try the variegated forms of Cordyline Kirkii and Cordyline albertii. Mixing these Cordylines in your garden not only boosts colour but also supports biodiversity and seasonal interest.

Why Choose Cordyline Ruby?

Cordyline ruby is perfect for anyone seeking vibrant, hassle-free gardening. Its adaptable nature and colourful leaves suit almost any outdoor space. Whether you’re designing a contemporary garden, adding structure to a mixed bed, or simply searching for a resilient pot plant, Cordyline ruby delivers on style, performance, and ease of care. Try combining Cordyline ruby with other Cordylines for a bold, eye-catching garden.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Love Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) and Ficus benjamina 'Variegata'? Then you’ll adore the quiet charm of Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise), Pandorea rosea superba, and Helleborus 'White Hybrid'.
–The Plant Company

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