Burlesque Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa 'Burlesque') is a fountain of broad leaves, 1.5m to 2m tall and about 1m wide. New leaves emerge boldly striped in pink and cream, then slowly age to deep green with a slender cream border. It is a feature plant for tropical and subtropical gardens and for pots, and it works indoors as well.
Why you'll love it
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Pink and cream new growth. Fresh leaves arrive striped in pink and cream, so every flush of growth looks like a new planting.
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Colour that matures well. Older leaves settle to deep green with a thin cream edge, giving the plant depth as well as brightness.
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Year-round interest. Foliage colour does not depend on a flowering season.
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Massed or solo. It works as a single feature or in groups for a splash of colour.
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Cuts back and regrows. If it gets tall, cutting it hard back is fine, because it regrows from the stem.
Where it works best
Feature planting. Plant it centre stage where the stripy new leaves can be seen from a verandah, path or window.
Massed plantings. Plant 80cm apart for a block of colour. The leaves overlap as the clump fills out and form a lively feature bed.
Pots, poolside and indoors. A tropical-style pot by a pool or entry suits it well, and it can come inside in a bright room.
Growing Burlesque Cordyline in Australia
Position and climate. Cordylines are surprisingly hardy and worth a go in most protected areas, but this tropical type does best in tropical and subtropical gardens and is frost tender. Plant in full sun to part shade. More sun means more water will be needed.
Soil. Plant in well drained soil, mulch and fertilise at planting. It is surprisingly tolerant of dry conditions, though growth is restricted when it is dry.
Water and feed. Water regularly while the plant establishes, and give it extra water in more sun or hot weather. Mulch to hold moisture around the roots.
Pruning. Remove dead foliage, and cut back in spring if the plant gets tall. Cutting hard back if required is fine, as the plant will regrow from the stem.
What to expect when it arrives
We sell Burlesque Cordyline as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a modest clump of leaves on arrival. The bold colour and the fountain shape build as it grows.
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
Common questions
How big does Burlesque get?
Between 1.5m and 2m tall and about 1m wide. Cut it back in spring if it gets taller than you like and it regrows from the stem.
Does it need sun?
It likes full sun to part shade. The more sun it gets, the more water it will need.
Is it safe for pets?
No. Cordyline fruticosa is toxic to dogs and cats if eaten, so it is not a pet friendly plant. Keep it out of reach.