The ‘Burgundy Spire’ cordyline is a striking ornamental plant, prized for its vibrant foliage and upright growth habit. It offers a distinctive architectural element to various garden designs, making it a popular choice for year-round visual appeal.
Understanding Burgundy Spire Cordyline
‘Burgundy Spire’ is a cultivar of Cordyline australis, commonly known as the cabbage palm. This evergreen shrub features dramatic burgundy-red to deep chocolate-colored, sword-shaped leaves that provide year-round interest. The foliage maintains its color and often remains on the trunk longer than many other cordyline varieties, contributing to a fuller appearance.
It grows with an upright, architectural form, typically reaching 8 to 12 feet (2.5 to 4 meters) tall and spreading about 3 feet (1 to 2 meters) wide. While maintaining an upright habit, its leaves can gently arch downwards, creating a layered effect. Mature plants may produce panicles of fragrant, creamy white flowers in late spring to summer.
Planting and Growing Conditions
‘Burgundy Spire’ cordyline thrives in full sun to partial shade; full sun intensifies the foliage color. Providing some afternoon shade can help protect the leaves from scorch in hotter climates.
This plant requires well-drained soil, preferring a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Incorporating organic matter into the soil before planting can enhance drainage and provide essential nutrients. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as it was in its container.
After planting, water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to encourage a strong root system. Once established, ‘Burgundy Spire’ cordyline is relatively drought tolerant, but it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. It is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11, tolerating heat and mild frost. In colder zones, it can be treated as an annual or overwintered indoors, and sheltering from harsh winds is beneficial for leaf quality.
Ongoing Care
For established ‘Burgundy Spire’ cordyline, consistent watering practices are beneficial, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. While established plants can withstand dry conditions, regular watering during the growing season supports healthy foliage. Overwatering should be avoided, especially in containers, as it can lead to root issues.
A balanced controlled-release fertilizer is suitable for this plant, applied during the growing season, typically in spring and summer. Less fertilizer is often more for this variety, as excessive nutrients might reduce the vividness of the leaf color. For container plants, repotting every two to three years into fresh compost helps ensure continued vibrancy.
Pruning mainly involves removing faded or damaged leaves at the base to maintain a tidy appearance and highlight its vertical form. If the plant becomes leggy or grows too tall, it can be pruned to encourage bushier growth. ‘Burgundy Spire’ cordyline is generally not bothered by pests or diseases, but occasional issues like spider mites or root rot can occur. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering can help prevent common fungal issues.
Common Uses
‘Burgundy Spire’ cordyline is versatile in garden design. Its strong vertical form and vibrant color make it an excellent focal point or accent plant in landscapes. It can be placed in large planters for a bold, low-maintenance look.
This plant is well-suited for container gardening on patios or balconies, providing dramatic color and texture. When planted in groups or staggered rows, it can create a visual screen or frame a garden bed. It also adds height, color, and texture to mixed borders, complementing plants like ornamental grasses or low-growing perennials. It fits well in contemporary, urban, and tropical garden styles.