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cordyline tropical red

Cordyline Tropical Red is a stunning foliage plant prized by New Zealand gardeners for its vibrant colour and architectural elegance. With its bold red leaves and upright growth habit, Cordyline Tropical Red brings a striking burst of tropical beauty to gardens, courtyards, and even large containers. It’s a popular choice for both modern landscaping and classic garden designs, thanks to its year-round visual interest and easy-care nature.

Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

5 from 2 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.

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 with green foliage growing by a shop against a black wall.

Cordyline Showoff

5 from 2 customers

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.

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
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Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, Cordyline, and Hypoestes, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search cordyline tropical red

Why Choose Cordyline Tropical Red?

Cordyline Tropical Red stands out among garden plants for its rich, ruby-red foliage. Unlike many green-leafed shrubs, it adds depth and a pop of colour in borders, mass plantings, and pots. If you’re looking to create a lush, tropical retreat, this cordyline delivers with minimal fuss. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, making it versatile for various New Zealand garden conditions. Plus, it's tolerant of coastal exposure and is relatively drought-hardy once established, perfect for busy gardeners who want outstanding colour with minimal maintenance.

How to Plant and Grow Cordyline Tropical Red

Growing Cordyline Tropical Red is straightforward, even for beginners. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot for the best foliage colour. Cordylines prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils, so add organic matter if you have heavy clay or sandy ground. Water regularly, especially over dry summer months, to help your cordyline establish strong roots.

Mulch around the base to retain moisture, and feed in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser to encourage lush, vibrant leaves. Prune away any damaged foliage as needed – new shoots will quickly fill in. In colder regions, Cordyline Tropical Red will benefit from a sheltered position or some winter protection.

Creative Uses for Cordyline Tropical Red

Cordyline Tropical Red is a versatile addition to any landscape plan. Use it as a feature plant in garden beds, or mass-plant for a dramatic effect along driveways and boundaries. Its striking colour makes it an ideal companion for green or silver-leafed plants, and it works beautifully in mixed subtropical borders. For a bold statement, plant Cordyline Tropical Red in large pots on patios or balconies.

Looking for more inspiration? Consider pairing it with Cordyline Red Star for a harmonious, yet varied, palette, or contrast it with the chartreuse hues of Cordyline 'Can Can'. For gardens with a more upright, tree-like form, the classic Cordyline australis or variegated Cordyline albertii are excellent companions. Trying different varieties can help you achieve a layered, textured look that stays interesting all year.

Explore More Cordyline Varieties

If you love the look of Cordyline Tropical Red but want to explore more options, there’s a wide range of cordylines to suit any style. Cordyline Showoff offers a different colour palette for striking contrasts, while Cordyline Red Star brings deep burgundy tones. For dramatic foliage combinations, mix and match with Cordyline 'Can Can', Cordyline australis, or Cordyline albertii.

Bring the lush, tropical tones of Cordyline Tropical Red into your garden and enjoy year-round colour and easy-care impact. With the right companion plants, your landscape will be vibrant, dynamic, and uniquely yours.


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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.

Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green' are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Hebe 'Black Panther', Ribes rubrum, and Hebe salicifolia (Koromiko).
–The Plant Company

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