Cordyline / RHS Plant Guide

Cordyline

RHS Genus Guide

With their exotic, palm-like appearance and attractive foliage in shades of green, bronze and purple, cordylines are popular and dramatic plants. They are happiest in mild locations, especially coastal and urban gardens, needing winter protection in frost-prone areas. Young plants are often used in bedding and container displays, while tender species make striking houseplants.

Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Appearance

Young cordylines have a fountain of strappy evergreen leaves, which can be green or various colours, including copper and purple, or striped with pink, white or yellow. Older plants form a trunk and resemble an exotic palm, with a tuft of foliage on the top.

Preferences

Cordylines enjoy warmth and shelter, and prefer well-drained soil. Full sun is ideal for green-leaved cordylines but light shade is preferable for those with colourful or variegated leaves as strong sun can cause their bright colours to fade.

Dislikes

Cordylines suffer in cold, wet conditions, so give them protection over winter. Avoid planting in frost-prone areas. They also dislike damp or waterlogged soil and deep shade.

Did you know?

In warm summers, mature cordylines will produce spikes of tiny flowers, which are richly fragrant and a magnet for bees. The small round fruits that follow provide food for various garden birds, including blackbirds and thrushes.

RHS Growing Guide