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purple cordyline

If you're on the hunt for dramatic colour and bold structure for your garden, a purple cordyline could be the showstopper you're searching for. These striking architectural plants, celebrated for their richly coloured, sword-like foliage, bring year-round vibrancy with shades that range from deep burgundy to vibrant violet. Purple cordylines are not only a favourite among New Zealand gardeners for their low-maintenance nature, but also their ability to provide instant impact in borders, containers, and landscape designs.

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: 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.

From $35.19

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 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
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

From$10.95
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 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
acer-nigrum-
Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly...

From$299.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$18.95
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...

From$30.29
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

From$20.63
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-purple-prince-
Cordyline Purple Prince

Cordyline 'Purple Prince' is a bold evergreen plant admired for its rich deep purple foliage and strong upright form. The glossy strap like leaves...

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 '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 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 '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-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 australis 'purpurea' plant with purple foliage.
Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline australis Purpurea is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its bold, sword like foliage in deep purple tones. This architectural...

OUT OF STOCK
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 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 banksii plant with lush green foliage in a garden.
Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline banksii is a small-growing NZ native Cabbage Tree. It produces several stems that can reach up to 3 m in height, bearing long and arching...

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 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 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 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-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 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
Mangave 'Purple People Eater' plant with purple leaves.
Mangave Purple People Eater

Mangave Purple People Eater is an impressive succulent that features a rosette of thick, purple leaves with a blue-green undertone. They are leathery...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
cordyline-albertii-chardonnay-
Cordyline Chardonnay

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

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline albertii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Acer, and Cordyline, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search purple cordyline

Why Choose Purple Cordyline?

Incorporating a purple cordyline into your planting scheme instantly elevates the look and feel of your outdoor space. Their striking foliage stands out against lush greens and pairs beautifully with both tropical and contemporary garden designs. Aside from their good looks, purple cordylines are surprisingly hardy, thriving in New Zealand’s diverse climate. They tolerate coastal wind, a variety of soils, and are generally pest and disease resistant. Whether you’re looking for a feature specimen or a colourful accent in mixed planting, a purple cordyline is a versatile choice.

Popular Varieties of Purple Cordyline

With the popularity of purple cordyline plants on the rise, several standout varieties are available that offer unique shades and growth habits. Cordyline Midnight Star impresses with its bold, dark purple leaves and upright form, making it ideal for statement planting. If you prefer a more compact look, the Cordyline Purple Prince is perfect for pots or borders, offering glossy, rich burgundy foliage.

Gardeners seeking a subtle twist might consider Cordyline Renegade, renowned for its near-black leaves and contrasting pale undersides. For those wanting an architectural centrepiece, Cordyline 'Purple Tower' lives up to its name by delivering an upright, statuesque profile with dramatic purple tones. And if your planting style calls for a more ornamental look, Cordyline Cardinal showcases lush, reddish-purple leaves in dense rosettes.

How to Grow and Care for Purple Cordyline

Purple cordyline care is refreshingly straightforward. They prefer a sunny to partly shaded spot with well-draining soil and appreciate regular watering while establishing. Once settled, these hardy plants are impressively drought-tolerant. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, while a slow-release fertiliser in spring encourages lush new growth.

Pruning is rarely needed, but any damaged or old leaves can simply be removed as needed to keep your plant looking its best. In cooler regions, a sheltered position will help protect against frost damage, but most purple cordyline varieties recover well even if exposed to the occasional cold snap.

Landscape Uses for Purple Cordyline

The bold presence of a purple cordyline adds drama and depth to landscape designs. Use them as a striking focal point in pots or garden beds, or create a living backdrop for flowering perennials. They’re equally at home as part of subtropical, coastal, or modern urban gardens.

With so many versatile options—from Cordyline Midnight Star to Cordyline 'Purple Tower'—finding the perfect purple cordyline for your New Zealand garden is simple. Embrace colour, character, and resilience by adding one of these stunning plants to your outdoor space.

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.
Garden icons like Stromanthe Triostar and Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm), Pear Beurre Bosc, and Camellia 'Fairy Blush'.
–The Plant Company

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