Cordyline ‘red star’

Description

🌿 Overview & Appearance

• A bold, tropical-looking plant with arching, sword-shaped leaves in deep bronze‑red to burgundy tones — often brighter and narrower than similar varieties like ‘Red Sensation’.

• Forms a fountain of foliage that can eventually branch into a multi-stemmed, small tree when grown in suitable climates.

• Matures around 3–6 ft tall (0.9–1.8 m) with a spread of 1.5–3 ft (0.5–0.9 m) in containers; in-ground it can reach 10–20 ft (3–6 m) height and 5–10 ft (1.5–3 m) width.

🌸 Flowers & Fruit

• In late spring to early summer, mature specimens can produce panicles of sweetly fragrant white flowers.

• These may be followed by ornamental berries in autumn if conditions are right.

🌞 Growing Conditions & Maintenance

• Thrives in full sun to part shade, highlighting its best foliage color in strong light.

• Prefers well‑drained, moist to average soils and is drought- and salt‑tolerant, suitable for coastal or Mediterranean-style landscapes.

• Hardy to USDA zones 8–11 (often treated as annual below zone 9 in colder areas).

• Overall low-maintenance, resistant to disease, deer, and salt; watch for pests like mealybugs, scale, or spider mites.

• In winter-prone regions, protect the central growing tip or treat as an annual.

🍃 Landscape & Container Use

• Works beautifully as a specimen plant, with uses including containers, borders, screening, or a tropical accent.

• Combine with lime-green or variegated plants (e.g., ivies, coleus) for strong visual contrast.

📏 Quick Care Guide

With its dramatic red foliage, architectural form, and tolerance to a variety of climates, Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is a standout addition to any garden design—whether in pots on a terrace or planted en masse for bold impact.