Cordyline fruticosa Hilo Rainbow

Cordyline 'Hilo Rainbow' (Cordyline fruticosa 'Hilo Rainbow') carries broad leaves striped in burgundy, pink and cream, and it does the work of a flowering shrub without ever needing to flower. It grows to about 2m tall and 1m wide, tall enough to fill a courtyard corner and narrow enough for a large pot, and it holds that colour all year.

Why you'll love it

• Colour that does not depend on flowering. Burgundy, pink and cream sit in the foliage permanently, so a shaded bed keeps its colour through winter.
• Upright and space efficient. At 2m tall and only 1m across it fills a corner vertically without spreading into a path.
• Equally at home indoors. Bright indirect light suits it inside, which makes it an option in climates too cold to grow it outdoors.
• Comfortable in humid heat. Heat and humidity tolerant, so tropical and subtropical summers suit it rather than stress it.

Where it works best

Pots, balconies and courtyards. A container 400mm or wider holds a single plant for years, and the upright habit reads as a feature rather than clutter on a small balcony.

Mass planting and feature planting. Plant 60cm apart for a block of colour under trees or along a shaded wall. At that spacing the leaves overlap into a continuous band while each stem keeps its shape.

Indoors. Near a bright window out of direct sun it works as a floor plant in a living room or an entry.

Worth knowing before you buy: cordylines are toxic to cats and dogs if the leaves are chewed. Keep this one raised or outside if your pet nibbles.

Growing Cordyline 'Hilo Rainbow' in Australia

Position and climate. Partial shade or filtered light gives the strongest colour, since harsh afternoon sun bleaches and scorches the leaves. This is a tropical, subtropical and warm temperate plant, and frost tender, so cool temperate and frosting inland gardens should pot it and bring it under cover for winter.

Soil. Rich, free draining soil or a quality potting mix with plenty of organic matter. It wants moisture but not stagnant water, so raise the bed on heavy clay and make sure pots drain openly.

Water and feed. Keep the soil evenly moist through the warm months and reduce watering in winter. Feed a controlled release fertiliser in early spring and mid summer. Brown leaf tips usually mean dry air or salt build up, so flush pots through occasionally.

Pruning. Cut old lower leaves off cleanly rather than pulling them. If a plant grows leggy, cut the cane back to about 30cm in spring and it will reshoot with two or three new heads.

What to expect when it arrives

Hilo Rainbow is sold in 300mm pots and in 200mm packs of six. A 300mm plant is established, already showing full leaf colour and useful height on day one. The pack of six is better value for a run: six plants at 60cm spacing cover about 3 metres of bed.

Cordylines travel well because the leaves are firm and the canes sturdy, though outer leaves can mark in transit and a lower leaf may yellow in the first week. Trim those off and the plant carries on. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Keeping indoor plants alive and healthy
• Browse the full cordyline range
• Compare tropical garden plants
• See other plants with variegated foliage

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Cordyline leaves are toxic to cats and dogs, and chewing them commonly causes drooling, vomiting and a sore mouth. Keep the plant raised or outside if your pet chews foliage.

Why is my plant losing its pink and burgundy?

Too little light is the usual cause, and deep shade turns the leaves plainer and greener. Move it to brighter filtered light, avoiding hot afternoon sun.

Can I keep it shorter than 2m?

Yes. Cut the cane back to about 30cm in spring and it will reshoot, usually with several heads and a bushier plant than before.