Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi', a cordyline with variegated foliage
Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi'
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Cordyline
- Species
- Cordyline fruticosa
Can a plant be an ornamental, a fruit, and a vegetable all at once? Yes, if Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' is any indication. This variety of Hawaiian spinach, named 'Kiwi,' is distinguished by its leaves, which are streaked with cream and red.
How can you recognize Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi'?
Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' is a shrub with a bushy, upright growth habit. It can reach two meters in height and 60 centimeters in spread.
As with cordyline fruticosa botanical Cordyline fruticosa, the straight stem —slightly woody at the base— rarely branches. It forms a slender trunk marked by leaf scars.
The lanceolate leaves measure between 30 and 50 centimeters in length. They are green, variegated with cream and bright red or fuchsia.
The flowers bloom in summer. Pale pink or white, they are grouped in panicles.
Once pollinated, they give way to red berries. These berries contain the seeds that will allow the plant to reproduce.
Contrary to what its name suggests, Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' is not edible. It is even toxic if ingested. The roots, fruits, and leaves contain saponins. This substance causes vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs.
Our care tips
Cordylines 'Kiwi like the sun. But they can't stand the hottest rays. Variegated varieties are particularly sensitive. Keep this in mind when setting up your plant in its final location.
Watering
Water the base of your Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' when the soil has dried by about three centimetres. Your plant likes rainwater, but will also tolerate mains water.
Don't let water stagnate in the planter or saucer. It will rot the roots.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Obtain a pierced pot larger than the root ball. Choose a terracotta model. This material optimizes drainage and limits the risk of root rot in the event of excess water.
Fill the bottom with clay balls or gravel.
Then add a layer of universal or Mediterranean potting soil. Plant your Cordyline 'Kiwi in the center. Fill in with substrate. Do not bury the collar.
Tamp and water to remove air bubbles. You can mulch the base with a mineral material to keep the soil cool.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants to stimulate growth.
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Place compost at the foot of your Cordyline 'Kiwi.
Prune
Using a clean, sharp pruning shears, remove the wilted leaves.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose a location sheltered from the wind. The location must be sunny. But, if you live in a region where the sun is scorching in summer, avoid a south-facing exposure.
While the rootball of your Cordyline 'Kiwi is soaking, dig a hole three times as big. Line the bottom with river sand, pebbles or gravel to improve drainage.
Mix equal parts garden soil and universal potting soil. Add a layer of substrate.
Plant your plant. The rootball should be level with the ground and the collar should not be buried. Fill in with your mix of potting soil and garden soil.
Water generously and mulch with crushed slate or gravel. This mineral mulch keeps the soil cool in summer and protects it from the cold in winter.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Using your hands or a clean, sharp tool, separate one of the shoots that has formed at the base of the plant. Choose a young shoot with roots.
Plant your cutting in a pierced pot lined with potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Spray the substrate with non-calcareous water.
The graft takes better in a stifled environment. Cover the plant with a translucent plastic bag or cloche.
Place your young plant in a bright room where the temperature is between 20 and 25°.
The appearance of new leaves indicates that your cutting is taking root.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Category
- Shrub
- Tag
- Beginner
- Origin
- Oceania
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenRedFuchsiaCream
- Flower colors
- WhitePale pink
- Fruit color
- Red
Discover plants from the same family
Cordyline 'Purple compacta
Cordyline fructiosa ‘Purple compacta’
Cordyline australe
Cordyline australis
Cordyline 'Red Star
Cordyline australis 'Red Star'
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
