Baby Doll Cordyline

Baby Doll Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa 'Baby Doll') is a tropical foliage plant that makes a fountain of broad apple-green leaves, each curled and edged in pinky-red. It grows 1 to 2m tall and about 1m wide, and it earns its place in a shaded border or a pot on the balcony.

Why you'll love it

• Red-edged foliage. Every leaf carries a pinky-red margin against apple green, a sharp contrast that holds all year.
• Evergreen colour. There is no flowering season to wait for, because the foliage is the display.
• Easy to combine. It pairs well with other cordyline varieties in contrasting shades, for a bold foliage planting.
• Good in containers. It suits pots on balconies and verandas, and works as a houseplant in the lounge room.
• Regrows from the stem. If it gets leggy or damaged, cutting the foliage off is fine, because the plant regrows from the stem.

Where it works best

Shaded borders. Plant 80cm apart in part shade for a bold foliage drift, or use one as a feature in a bed.

Pots on balconies and verandas. A large container shows off the red-edged leaves, and the plant is a good size for a courtyard.

Indoors. Grow it in bright, filtered light inside. Pot it into a free-draining mix and keep the water regular.

Growing Baby Doll Cordyline in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or part shade, ideally with filtered light. Cordylines are hardy and tolerate periods of sun, but keep young plants out of hot sun until they establish. It must be protected from frost, so it suits tropical, subtropical and frost-free warm temperate gardens.

Soil. Free-draining soil. Mulch at planting to hold moisture around the roots.

Water and feed. Give it plenty of water in the first 8 to 12 weeks, then water regularly through dry periods. Apply a liquid fertiliser after extended dry spells and every 3 months for lush foliage.

Pruning. Remove dead foliage as it appears. If plants become leggy, cut back in spring and they will reshoot from the stem.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Baby Doll Cordyline as tube stock and 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and the 200mm pots carry more foliage from day one. Pot it up or plant it out into shaded, mulched soil and keep the water regular for the first 8 to 12 weeks.

Our tubes are supplied by our grower, so they are not always on hand. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Cordylines for foliage colour
• Cordyline care guide
• Plants for balconies
• Plants for partial shade

Common questions

How much sun can it take?

It prefers filtered light and tolerates periods of sun once established. Keep young plants out of hot sun for the first few months.

What if it gets leggy?

Cut it back in spring. It regrows from the stem, and cutting foliage off does it no harm.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Cordylines are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep the plant out of reach of chewing pets.