Cordyline hybrids
Cordylines hybridise easily, although in their natural habitats in New Zealand, the various species are normally separated by geographical and climatic borders. When different species are grown alongside each other, either artificially in gardens, or intentionally at plant breeders, cross pollination occurs readily and many new species and cultivars have arisen this way.
Whilst I am endeavouring to establish the parentage of many of the varieties in the collection, this is not always possible. Some breeders are keen to maintain the rights to specific varieties and are not willing to divulge the genetic history of a variety. In other cases, it is simply unknown. Therefore, the list below is what I know at the moment, and I am always interested to hear from anyone with more, (or conflicting!) information.
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Jurassic Jade
This is a hybrid of C. australis and C. banksii that has khaki green foliage when young that gradually colours up to a dark emerald green as it ages. Leaf form is similar to C. australis and it seems reasonably hardy so far.
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Pacific Sunset
A superstar on the colour front, this variety from breeders in New Zealand is more like a Phormium in coloration. I haven’t been given information on the parentage of this one; when I know I’ll let you know! |
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Jurassic Jasper
This is another hybrid of C. australis and C. banksii that has burnished green foliage when young that colours up to an olive green with age. Unlike its relative above, this variety has proved less hardy with several losses over the recent winter, more due to cold wet soil rather than the temperature alone. |
Purple Tower
This is probably the most delicate of all the varieties in the collection as many have succumbed to the winter wet this year. It is a striking plant with lovely long leaves in a deep purple colour. It is suspected to be another hybrid of C. australis and C. banksii, but one for the conservatory only, or perhaps exceptionally free-draining soil, in our climate. |
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