Cordyline fruticosa 'Rubra'

Common Name:
Cordyline 'Rubra'

Description:
Cordyline fruticosa 'Rubra' is a striking ornamental foliage plant admired for its bold, tropical appeal and vibrant leaf colouration. Featuring long, lance-shaped leaves in deep burgundy to ruby-red tones with hints of pink or bronze, this variety brings a lush, exotic feel to gardens, courtyards, and indoor spaces. In Melbourne's climate, it thrives in warm, sheltered positions with consistent moisture and protection from frost. It performs best in part shade but can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered, especially during hot periods. While primarily grown for its foliage, mature plants may produce small, pale pink to lavender flowers in summer, though these are usually secondary to its stunning leaves. It is an excellent choice for adding contrast to green-heavy planting schemes, and works well in tropical-themed gardens or as a feature in large containers.

Form:
Shrub - Small
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 1.5–2 m
Width: 1–1.2 m

Aspect:
Part Shade
Full Sun (with protection from harsh afternoon sun)
Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:
Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
Pale pink
Lavender

Key Attributes:
Suitable for Pots
Suitable for Indoors
Perennial
Suitable for Tropical Gardens
Foliage Feature Plant
Low Maintenance

Toxicity:
Toxic to pets (particularly cats and dogs) if ingested – can cause vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite.

Companion Plants:
Alocasia
Calathea
Ferns (such as Nephrolepis exaltata)
Philodendron
Cordyline australis
Heuchera