tropical cordylines nz

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

Discover the vibrant world of tropical cordylines NZ gardeners love for their striking foliage and lush, architectural appeal. These hardy yet exotic plants bring dramatic colour and a lush, resort-like feel to both indoor and outdoor spaces across New Zealand. Whether you're enhancing a subtropical garden, brightening a courtyard, or creating an eye-catching container display, tropical cordylines are a versatile and low-maintenance choice for Kiwi gardeners seeking year-round visual interest.

Cordyline australis

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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.

Buy Cordyline australis

From $24.23

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 stricta

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Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush appearance. It typically grows to 3 m tall and spreads 2 m wide. Cordyline stricta is a great plant for adding height to plantings in narrow or confined spaces, maintaining in a container, including in tropical plantings, adding as an interesting feature to mixed plantings, or for planting around living areas.

Buy Cordyline stricta

From $43.13

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search Cordyline fruticosa

Why Choose Tropical Cordylines for New Zealand Gardens

Tropical cordylines thrive in New Zealand's temperate climate, especially when planted in sheltered spots or used as striking feature plants on patios and decks. Their multi-hued leaves – ranging from bright pinks and reds to moody greens and chocolate tones – make them popular for contemporary garden designs and tropical landscaping. Cordylines are tolerant of coastal wind, relatively pest-free, and require minimal maintenance once established, making them an ideal choice for busy garden enthusiasts.

Popular Varieties of Tropical Cordylines in NZ

New Zealand nurseries offer a beautiful selection of tropical cordylines, each with its own unique flair. Cordyline fruticosa is especially prized for its lush foliage and stunning colour variations, making it a centrepiece in both garden beds and decorative pots. For those seeking even richer hues, Cordyline fruticosa Rubra dazzles with bold, deep red to burgundy leaves, while Cordyline fruticosa John Klass Red stands out with intense, glossy red foliage perfect for creating year-round impact.

You might also consider Cordyline stricta, a slimmer, upright species that adds subtle elegance to larger plantings or works as a backdrop in mixed borders. For those who appreciate native species, the iconic Cordyline australis – known locally as the cabbage tree – brings a touch of New Zealand’s natural heritage to any landscape.

Growing and Caring for Tropical Cordylines in NZ

Growing tropical cordylines in NZ is straightforward with a few simple tips. Choose a warm, well-drained spot with morning sun or partial shade to protect the colourful foliage from scorching. Cordylines benefit from regular watering during dry spells, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once mature. Feed them with a slow-release fertiliser in spring and gently remove any older leaves to keep plants tidy and healthy. Their resilience also makes tropical cordylines suitable for pots, balconies, and indoor spaces, adding a bold splash of colour wherever you need it.

Enhance Your Auckland or NZ Garden with Tropical Cordylines

Whether you prefer the classic texture of Cordyline fruticosa or the showy tones of Cordyline fruticosa Rubra, tropical cordylines NZ gardeners adore are just the thing to transform your garden into a lush, year-round retreat. Browse our range to find the perfect cordyline for your needs, and enjoy a colourful, low-maintenance landscape that brings the tropics right to your doorstep.

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.