Even those who don’t know much about gardening have seen
plenty of cordylines. These tufted evergreen shrubs are one of the most common
features of landscaped spaces because, ultimately, they’re a garden designer’s
dream.
Cordylines are ideal for filling space in a way that’s
attractive and long lasting. While it does flower, this species is almost
always grown for its abundant foliage. The leaves of a mature cordyline plant
are long and thin; they arc outwards from the centre of a stubby body which
gives the species a pineapple-like shape.
These long, tall leaves help to increase the plant’s
versatility. Cordylines can be grown in almost any type of space whether free
and sprawling or tight and narrow. There are some varieties, like the
fruiticosa cordyline, which are squatter in shape and grow to a maximum of two
metres in height. Others, like the ‘C. negra cordyline – whose leaves are
almost jet black – can grow tall enough to accommodate smaller plants
underneath.
Let’s take a closer look at which cordylines prefer to be
grown in full sunshine:
Lilinoe
Lilinoe is one of the most dramatically coloured of all the
cordyline varieties used for landscaping in Australia. It boasts leaves with a
pinkish reddish tip that appear to be permanently basked in sunshine. The year
round colour of this cordyline looks wonderful paired with deep green
mondograsses or darker coloured cordylines.
Roostertail
Roostertail is a less popular cordyline variety which is
steadily making its way back into Australian gardens. It is a little less
elegant than lilinoe with a wilder, more unkempt appearance. This makes it a
great choice for wilder spaces with less need for meticulously manicured beds
and borders. It’s a wild thing with a tough temperament and a high tolerance
for cooler, wetter climates.
Some other large growing cordylines varieties which love to bask in full sun are the pink diamond, Kilauea and curiously named Pele’s Smoke. As these particular cordyline varieties grow, their leaves rotate around the stem. This creates a striking aesthetic and makes the plant one of the most interesting additions to any landscaped space.
If you want a Cordylines to take place at your home, buy from Online Plants and make these Cordylines uniquely yours.