Cordyline fruticosa 'Caruba Black' is a striking evergreen, compact tropical shrub celebrated for having some of the darkest, near-black foliage of any Cordyline variety. Its upright, sword-shaped leaves serve as an exceptional bold, vertical accent or high-contrast feature plant for contemporary and tropical garden designs.
Light requirement: Part shade to bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate full sun in mild coastal environments, the harsh, hot afternoon sun can cause leaf burn.
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Water regularly during establishment, then only during extended dry periods
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soil types
Skill level: Easy
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes
Mature Height: 1-1.5m
Mature Width: 30-60cm
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Sensitive to frost
Wind Tolerant: Moderate, strong winds can tear foliage.
Leaf colour: Emerge as deep burgundy or purple and intensify to a rich glossy black as the plant matures.
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf:
Flower colour: White, mildly fragrant.
Flowering season: Late spring to summer
Flower size: Small, and relatively inconspicuous. They cluster together on long, loose, branched sprays known as panicles.
Cordyline fruticosa 'Caruba Black' is a striking evergreen, compact tropical shrub celebrated for having some of the darkest, near-black foliage of any Cordyline variety. Its upright, sword-shaped leaves serve as an exceptional bold, vertical accent or high-contrast feature plant for contemporary and tropical garden designs.
Light requirement: Part shade to bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate full sun in mild coastal environments, the harsh, hot afternoon sun can cause leaf burn.
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Water regularly during establishment, then only during extended dry periods
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soil types
Skill level: Easy
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes
Mature Height: 1-1.5m
Mature Width: 30-60cm
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Sensitive to frost
Wind Tolerant: Moderate, strong winds can tear foliage.
Leaf colour: Emerge as deep burgundy or purple and intensify to a rich glossy black as the plant matures.
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf:
Flower colour: White, mildly fragrant.
Flowering season: Late spring to summer
Flower size: Small, and relatively inconspicuous. They cluster together on long, loose, branched sprays known as panicles.