S & J Nurserys Guide to Growing
Dwarf Cordyline ‘Ruby’
in the Northeast Florida Landscape
Cordyline terminalis ‘Auntie Lou’
This selection is not currently being offered by any vendors. I am unable to provide this plant until further starter plant material can be obtained.
Cordyline terminalis Dwarf ‘Ruby’ Origins:
– Cordyline fruticosa or Hawaiian Ti plants are members of the Agavaceae family
making them relatives of both Agave and Yucca plants. Cordyline ‘Ruby’ is a hybrid from India. ‘Ruby’ has a dwarf compact habit that makes it suitable for container production. The new foliage is bright pink and darkens to burgundy as it ages.
Cordyline plants are considered a tropical plant, thriving year round in zones 9B-11 and frost sensitive in zone 9a here in Northeast Florida you may need to protect these plants from frosts during winter.
Preferred Exposure of the Cordyline terminalis Dwarf ‘Ruby’ :
– Hawaiian Ti ‘Ruby’ can be planted in a full sun to partially shaded location in the North Florida | Jacksonville | St. Augustine area landscape. I still find that they do the best when planted into partial shade location. A word of caution to this tale….often these plants are shade grown at the wholesale nurseries down in south Florida and when you try to put them directly out into the sun they suffer some leaf scorch, although they recover quickly they may need a bit of time to acclimate to the sunnier locations of your landscape. Ideally morning sun with afternoon shade gives you a good balance as does the dappled shade near larger growing trees and palms.
Foliage of the Cordyline terminalis / Hawaiian Ti ‘Ruby’ Plant:
– Brightly colored new growth that darkens to a maroon almost blackish purple.
– Foliage may remain evergreen during the winter in our Northeast Florida area gardens, or may cold damage when temperatures reach below 32 degrees.
Soil Preference / Salt tolerance of Foliage of the Cordyline Terminalisa / Hawaiian Ti ‘Hot Pepper’ Plant: :
– Cordyline plants prefer moist but well draining soils that are rich in organic matter so amend your planting hole generously when planting into our Northeast Florida landscapes.
– Poor salt tolerance.
Size Variance of Foliage of the Cordyline Terminalis / Hawaiian Ti ‘Ruby’ Plant:
– This compact selection is perfect where you want a pop of tropical color but need a lower growing option. Ruby only grows 2-3 ft high!
Growth Rate:
– Expect this one to reach its full size potential around the second to third year in the landscape. You should get 6-12 inches in growth in the first year.
Water Requirements of Hawaiian Ti Dwarf ‘Ruby’:
– Although much more durable once established in the landscape, regular water is necessary to get the plant rooted and growing on it’s own after being planted in the ground from an S & J Nursery container. Water every day for the first week then every other day for the next week, and continue to taper watering black to a minimum of once a week.
– Use supplemental irrigation once to twice a week after the plant is
established and growing in the landscape especially during the hot summer months. Cordyline plants have a tendency to experience damage to the foliage during prolonged exposure to drought.
Best Use for the Cordyline terminalis Hawaiian Ti ‘Ruby’ Plant in the Jacksonville | St. Augustine Area Landscape:
– Hawaiian Ti ‘Ruby’ is a really showy plant that grabs attention at a distance making it the perfect tropical accent anywhere you want to draw the eye to in the landscape.
-Perfect for mixing among other flowering plants in the perennial border or container planting.
– Beautiful when planted in groupings around a palm tree, bird bath,
fountain or other garden accents.
– Easy care plant for containers on pool decks, patio areas, walkways, home
entry accents etc.
– Great indoor planting.
Care of Cordyline Hawaiian Ti ‘Ruby’ in the Northeast Florida Landscape:
– Amend the soil generously with compost at planting time to ensure that the plant will have moist but well draining soils.
– If planting Cordyline into flood prone areas or areas that hold water after heavy rains, be sure to plant them into an elevated mound of soil to let the roots get air during storm season. Just 4-6 inches above grade can keep your plants beautiful in these areas instead of watching them suffer.
– Water every day during the establishment period after planting in the garden from an S & J Nursery container.
-Trim off cold damaged foliage and stems in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Fertilize with a slow release garden food like Osmocote directly after spring pruning and again in summer.