Cordyline ‘Pink Diamond’ is a bold, tropical foliage plant prized for its dramatic striped leaves—hot pink to rose tones framed by creamy margins and deeper green/bronze notes. It’s an instant colour booster for Brisbane and SEQ gardens, thriving in warm, humid conditions and looking brilliant in pots, courtyards, poolside plantings, and lush tropical landscapes.
Quick Overview:
Common Name: Cordyline ‘Pink Diamond’
Botanical Name:Cordyline fruticosa ‘Pink Diamond’
Origin: Cultivar of tropical cordyline from the South Pacific / Southeast Asia region
Height & Width: Typically 1–2 m high × 0.6–1 m wide (can be kept smaller in pots with pruning)
Foliage: Long, strap-like leaves with striking pink striping and lighter margins; strongest colour in bright light
Flowers: Small, pale flowers on branched sprays (more common on mature plants in warm conditions)
Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract insects; ornamental value is mainly foliage
Position: Bright filtered light to part shade; morning sun is ideal (avoid harsh western sun in hot inland spots)
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil; performs very well in quality potting mix
Tolerance: Loves humidity; protect from frost and cold winds; moderate drought tolerant once established but looks best with consistent moisture
Maintenance: Low; remove old leaves, tip-prune for shape, and feed during warm months for best colour
Etymology:Cordyline comes from Greek kordylē (“club”), referring to the thickened stems/roots; fruticosa means “shrubby,” describing its growth habit
Detailed Description:
If you want instant tropical vibes, Cordyline ‘Pink Diamond’ delivers. Its vibrant pink foliage creates a strong architectural shape and a punch of colour that works beautifully against green hedges, dark mulch, timber, or rendered walls. It’s especially effective in modern landscapes where you want clean lines with a tropical edge.
In Brisbane and SEQ, this cordyline thrives in warm, sheltered spots with bright light and good drainage. Give it consistent moisture (without boggy soil), a rich organic mulch, and a little feed through the growing season, and it will reward you with stronger colour, faster growth, and a lush, full form.
Growth and Maintenance:
Watering: Keep evenly moist while establishing; once settled, water deeply during hot/dry periods—avoid letting it fully dry out repeatedly
Fertilising: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring and top up with a liquid feed during warm months for stronger colour and growth
Mulching: Maintain organic mulch to protect roots and keep soil moisture stable (keep mulch away from the stems)
Leaf care: Trim off older lower leaves as they age to keep the plant tidy and highlight the stems
Pruning:
Shaping: Tip-prune to encourage branching and a fuller look
Height control: Can be cut back hard to reduce height—new shoots usually resprout from lower nodes in warm conditions
Frost damage: If cold snaps burn foliage, prune off damaged leaves once temperatures warm up
Common Uses:
Tropical feature plant for Brisbane and SEQ gardens
Statement pots for patios, balconies, and entryways
Poolside planting (great colour contrast with stone and water)
