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different varieties of cordyline

Cordylines are one of New Zealand’s favourite feature plants, celebrated for their bold colour, dramatic form, and easy-care nature. If you’re searching for different varieties of cordyline to enhance your garden, you’re in for a treat—there’s a cordyline for every style, from architectural trees to playful, low-maintenance shrubs. With striking foliage that comes in vibrant reds, deep purples, lush greens, and variegated tones, cordylines are perfect for creating impact in garden beds, borders, pots, and even as indoor centrepieces. Let’s explore some of the most unique and popular types you can choose from.

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. Ideal for feature planting or adding height to mixed landscapes, it delivers year round interest. Hardy and adaptable once established, it is a superb choice for creating a tropical inspired look.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.50 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 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. 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.

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
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...

From$30.29
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...

From$44.09
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
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...

From$16.49
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...

From$136.04
cordyline-lime-fountain-3
Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

From$136.04
black-polythene-1-m-wide-
1m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$138.40
black-polythene-2-m-wide-
2m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$254.60
Cordyline 'Celestial Dawn' plant.
Cordyline Celestial Dawn

Cordyline 'Celestial Dawn' features stunning foliage that is variegated yellow, dark green, and pink. The leaves are held off upright stems and...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-obtecta-superstar-
Cordyline Superstar

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

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Kaspar' in a garden with multiple stems and lush green leaves.
Cordyline 'Kaspar'

Cordyline 'Kaspar' is a vibrant, clump-forming variety featuring broad, arching leaves in shades of green flushed with pink and cream. Growing to...

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cordyline-pink-diamond-
Cordyline Pink Diamond

Cordyline 'Pink Diamond' is a striking evergreen plant admired for its vibrant pink and green variegated foliage that adds brightness and bold colour...

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A colourful Cordyline 'Design-a-line-burgundy' plant in a garden.
Cordyline Design-a-Line Burgundy

Cordyline 'Design-a-Line Burgundy' is an ornamental variety of Cabbage Tree that features burgundy coloured, arching foliage. It grows as a mound to...

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Cordyline 'Paso Doble'
Cordyline Paso Doble

Cordyline 'Paso Doble' is a vibrant evergreen plant admired for its rich red and burgundy foliage that adds bold colour to New Zealand gardens. Its...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Red Sensation' plants with purple foliage planted as a large cluster.
Cordyline 'Red Sensation'

Cordyline 'Red Sensation' is a bold, architectural plant prized for its deep burgundy-red, sword-like leaves that bring a striking contrast to New...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-john-klass-red-
Cordyline fruticosa John Klass Red

Cordyline fruticosa 'John Klass Red' is a vibrant tropical plant admired for its brilliant red foliage that creates bold colour in New Zealand...

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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...

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cordyline-torbay-dazzler-
Cordyline Torbay Dazzler

Cordyline 'Torbay Dazzler' is a striking evergreen plant admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. The bright foliage...

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-burgundy-roma-
Cordyline Burgundy Roma

Cordyline 'Burgundy Roma' is a striking evergreen plant admired for its rich burgundy foliage and strong upright growth habit. The glossy strap like...

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Cordyline 'Burgundy Spire' plants in garden with purple foliage.
Cordyline Burgundy Spire

Cordyline 'Burgundy Spire' is a striking evergreen plant admired for its deep burgundy foliage and tall slender form. The rich colour and strong...

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 'Green Goddess' small trees.
Cordyline Green Goddess

Cordyline 'Green Goddess' is a smaller variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, featuring long, sword-like, lime-green leaves held on a small...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline australis 'Red Star' plants with fabulous dark red-purple foliage.
Cordyline 'Red Star'

Cordyline 'Red Star' is a popular evergreen plant renowned for its striking, deep red, sword-like leaves, which add a strong architectural form to...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-midnight-star-
Cordyline Midnight Star

Cordyline 'Midnight Star' is a bold evergreen plant admired for its deep dark purple foliage that adds dramatic contrast to New Zealand gardens year...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-black-beauty-2
Cordyline Black Beauty

Cordyline 'Black Beauty' is a dramatic evergreen plant admired for its deep near black foliage that adds bold contrast to New Zealand gardens. The...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline indivisa tree with green foliage.
Cordyline indivisa (Mountain Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline indivisa, commonly known as the Mountain Cabbage Tree, features broad, green leaves radiating from a central crown. It grows into a tree...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline 'Sunrise' pink and purple foliage.
Cordyline 'Sunrise'

Cordyline 'Sunrise' is a striking ornamental plant admired for its bold pink and burgundy striped foliage. This colourful variety brings vibrancy and...

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
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 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 albertii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, or related Categories - Black polythene, Flaxes, and Indoor Plants.

Search different varieties of cordyline

Classic Tree Cordylines

For dramatic height and structure, tree-type cordylines are prized for their upright growth and statement-making style. Cordyline Kaspar is a standout among these, featuring strong green foliage and a robust form that works beautifully as a focal point in larger landscapes or in contemporary designs. The strong architectural lines bring a touch of the subtropics to any garden, and they stand up well to New Zealand’s coastal conditions.

Colourful Foliage Favourites

Among the different varieties of cordyline, those with vibrant foliage offer year-round colour and visual interest. Cordyline Celestial Dawn is renowned for its variegated leaves, combining shades of cream, green, and pinkish-red. This variety is particularly versatile, suiting both indoor and outdoor plantings. For something truly bold, Cordyline Renegade delivers deep chocolate-purple foliage and a compact growth habit—perfect for dramatic contrast in mixed borders or containers.

Show-Stopping Shrub Cordylines

Shrubbier forms of cordyline often make fantastic accent plants and fillers, especially where space is at a premium. Cordyline Showoff truly lives up to its name, boasting vivid pink to red foliage that draws the eye wherever it's planted. This compact cordyline is ideal for adding a splash of colour to patio pots, entranceways, or subtropical-style garden beds.

Unique and Playful Varieties

For gardeners who love something a little different, there are cordylines with multi-tonal and variegated leaves, perfect for collections or statement pots. Cordyline 'Can Can' features a vibrant mix of pink, cream, and green in its wavy foliage. It’s a favourite for those who want to inject personality and brightness into shaded spots or indoor displays.

Tips for Growing Multiple Cordyline Varieties

Planting different varieties of cordyline together creates dynamic landscapes with texture and colour changes through the seasons. Cordylines thrive in well-draining soil and a sunny to partly-shaded spot. They're generally low-maintenance, tolerant of wind, and tough in coastal gardens. Just be sure to allow room to show off each variety’s unique colours and forms.

Whether your garden needs structure, year-round colour, or a burst of tropical flair, the different varieties of cordyline have you covered. Explore our range, and find the perfect cordyline for every corner of your landscape or home.


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.

From trusted favourites like Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) to fresh faces like Fig 'Brown Turkey', Pyrus 'Kea', and Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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