Cordyline pink passion is a variety of cordyline with such dazzling colour that it steals the show wherever it is cultivated. With the right conditions, this vibrant variety or cabbage palm will retain its vibrant colour year round with few issues but in colder regions, it may need some winter protection, more on this further down.

Growing cordyline pink passion is no different from planting other varieties of cordyline, especially the more tender varieties, you just need fertile soil with good drainage and plenty of sun and a more sheltered position away from cold winds. They are perfect for growing in pots too, especially where you get colder winters as you can give them more protection over winter by moving them indoors.

In this guide, discover how to grow this vibrant variety and how to maintain the plants.

How to grow cordyline pink passion

Al already mentioned, Cordylines do not need much attention to thrive as they do well in fertile, well-drained soils. Because cordyline origins stem from tropical climates, they require plenty of sun to retain their foliage colour and flower.

General maintenance is low as they require very little pruning with the exception of removing dead leaves and feeding with a general fertiliser in spring to help them maintain a neat, healthy appearance and give them all the nutrients they need.

Buy from Cordyline Pink Passion from Thompson & Morgan

Growing them in pots

In areas where you might get cold winters such as the UK and some parts of the US, they grow best in pots as you can give them more protection over winter which I touch on further down. I recommend planting in a soil based compost such as John Innes Potting Compost as it holds the moisture better. It’s also heavier than a multi purpose compost and helps keep them upright in windy weather.

How to care for cordyline pink passion

While cordylines do not necessarily need pruning, you can always get rid of the old leaves and unwanted suckers to maintain neatness. You can learn more about pruning Cordylines in my guide here

Mulching

Another thing that will benefit the plants grown in the ground is mulching in autumn. Mulching acts like a barrier that helps the soil regulate temperatures, especially if it is cold. When mulching, leave the crown bare to promote proper ventilation.

Pests and diseases

Like most cordylines, there generally trouble-free but they are not resistant to all pests and diseases. Be on the lookout for pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, mealybugs as well as downy mildew, and other diseases.

You can learn more about some of the most common pests and diseases that attack cordylines.

Winter protection

As winter approaches, if possible, move them into a cold greenhouse or conservatory to protect them from very cold winters.

If this is not possable, you can wrap them in horticultural fleece to protect outdoor plants from the cold that brings issues such as slime flux. You can also tie the leaves up with twine to protect the crown.

I also recommend wrapping the pots in ragging or bubble wrap to give the roots some protection.

Growing cordyline pink passion through seeds and cuttings

Seeds

Growing cordylines through seeds takes time, and you will need some patience. Instead of planting the seeds directly to the ground, you should start them indoors. Unlike the unpredictable outdoor environment, starting the seeds indoors raises the chances of germination.

Using moist seed compost and peat pots or seed trays, you can sow the seeds. Remember that the seeds need a warm environment to germinate so they will germinate better in a heated propagator. Once the seeds germinate, give them a few weeks to harden and acclimate before transplanting them to their permanent spots.

Cuttings

Take cuttings in spring, when the weather is warm and the plant can recover in time.

There are two ways to do this: you can cut off the head on the main stem and replant it. The remaining stem will develop suckers and regrow again, so there is no problem. Alternatively, harvest developed suckers from the main plant and transplant. It is important to water the cuttings frequently to help them remain hydrated as they continue to establish roots.

Before you transplant the cuttings, you can always use rooting hormones to encourage faster development of roots. If you do not have rooting hormone, it is okay, as long as the soil is fertile, the roots will develop.

You can read a more detailed guide on how to take cordyline cuttings here

Conclusion

Cordyline pink passion is a cultivar you need if you want a statement-piece in the garden. They are hardy plants, but they are quite vulnerable when young and not as hardy as the common green cordyline or red star.