Cordyline verte crème rose 'Kiwi

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Cordyline 'Kiwi' variegated foliage

Credit: David J.Stang

Cordyline 'Kiwi' in the ground

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' leaves green cream pink

Credit: Cultivar 413

Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi', a cordyline with variegated foliage

Is it possible to be an ornamental plant, a fruit and a vegetable at the same time? Yes, according to Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi'. This variety of Hawaiian spinach, christened 'Kiwi', is distinguished by its cream and red streaked leaves.

How to recognize Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi'?

Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' is a bushy, upright shrub,reaching a height of two meters and a spread of 60 centimeters.

As with cordyline fruticosa botanical cordyline fruticosa, the straight stem, slightly lignified at the base, rarely branches. It forms a slender trunk, marked by leaf scars.

The lanceolate leaves are 30 to 50 centimetres long. Green, they are variegated with cream and bright red or fuchsia.

Flowers bloom in summer. Pale pink or white, they are grouped in panicles.

Once pollinated, they give way to red berries. They contain the seeds that will enable the plant to multiply.

Contrary to its name, Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi' is not edible. It is even toxic if ingested. The roots, fruit and leaves contain saponins. This substance causes vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs.

Our maintenance 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 'Kiwi when the soil is about three centimeters dry. 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

Cut dry leaves with clean, sharp pruning shears.

Plantation

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.

Cutting

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

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Asparagaceae - Asparagaceae
Type	Cordyline - Cordyline
Species	Cordyline fruticosa - Cordyline fruticosa
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Category	Shrub
Tag	Beginner
Origin	Oceania
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color