Cordyline Red Star
Best architectural accent for gardeners seeking vibrant, year-round tropical color.
The Cordyline Red Star is a striking evergreen shrub, celebrated for its dramatic, sword-like foliage in a deep burgundy-red hue. As it matures, this variety develops a noticeable trunk, adding vertical interest to any landscape or container garden. In early summer, it may produce fragrant white flowers, offering a subtle sensory appeal. This frost-tender evergreen thrives best in warmer climates, requiring full sun exposure to maintain its vibrant color. It serves as an excellent specimen or accent plant, bringing year-round color and structure to your garden.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1597
/ 2598
#1597 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-57%
Below average
Foliage Color
Burgundy-red
/ Burgundy-red
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, drought-tolerant greenery
- Gardeners seeking striking, permanent focal points for their landscape
- Container enthusiasts looking for height and architectural texture
Who should skip it
- Cold-climate gardeners unwilling to manage seasonal plant protection
- Indoor plant owners wary of monitoring for common pests
- Small-space gardeners needing plants that remain permanently compact
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep burgundy foliage creates a dramatic focal point in any landscape.
Container Versatility
Upright growth habit makes it a perfect architectural choice for pots.
Climate Adaptability
Strict frost-tender requirements limit this plant to warmer coastal regions.
Maintenance Ease
Low-maintenance evergreen that provides year-round structure with minimal fuss.
Sensory Appeal
Fragrant summer blooms add a subtle, pleasant layer to garden spaces.
Growth Potential
Develops a distinctive trunk over time for impressive vertical height.
Key Specs
Foliage Color
Burgundy-red
Leaf Shape
Sword-like
Mature Height
10 ft
Mature Spread
5 ft
Hardiness Zones
USDA 9-11
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Life Cycle
Perennial
Flower Color
White
Features
- Striking burgundy-red, sword-like leaves
- Fragrant white flowers in early summer
- Develops a distinctive trunk with age
- Evergreen for year-round interest
- Suitable for container planting
- Perennial lifespan for long-term enjoyment
- Upright growth habit
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and striking design of the Cordyline Red Star. Reviewers note the plant arrives healthy, robust, and immediately vibrant, often exceeding expectations for size and color. The deep red foliage creates a dramatic, architectural focal point, making it a highly valued addition to gardens and containers. Its aesthetic impact and perceived longevity solidify its strong value proposition for any landscape.
Know before you buy
Yes, full sun is essential for this plant. Without adequate sunlight, the deep burgundy-red foliage may lose its vibrancy and turn a duller green.
The Cordyline Red Star is well-suited for container planting. Its upright, architectural habit makes it an excellent choice for pots, provided you use a well-draining potting mix.
This plant is frost-tender and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to bring the container indoors or provide significant protection during the winter months.
At maturity, the Cordyline Red Star can reach up to 10 feet in height with a spread of about 5 feet. Be sure to choose a location that allows for this vertical growth and provides enough room for its sword-like leaves.
Yes, it is an evergreen shrub, meaning it will retain its foliage year-round. It provides consistent structure and color to your garden even during the off-season.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$17