Cordyline ‘Paso Doble’
Paso Doble cordyline
Vivid pink and purple strappy foliage slowly rises on a cane-like stem. Use as color accent, container feature, focal point. Thrives in pots. Easy.
 Height | 3–5ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 2–3ft |
 Tolerates | Coast, Cold, Cool Summers, Drought, Fog, Moist Soil, Pots, Rooftops, Neglect, Salt, Wind |
 Water needs | Low – Moderate |
Cordylines are surprisingly drought tolerant once established, though they will look their best with deep watering every week or two. Having good drainage is important with cordylines, which will also makes them quite tolerant of overwatering. | |
 Hardy to | 18°F |
 Exposure | Part Sun – Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Foliage Feature, Rosette, Tropical, Trunking |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose 1/2 Strength |
 Origin | hybrid, New Zealand |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 8, 9, 14–24, H1 |
Growing Notes
Cordylines are versatile in the garden. These upright trunking cordylines have a clean vertical form, but also respond well to a hard pruning back (even all the way to the ground) and will send new growth out wherever they are cut back. By cutting multiple canes at different levels you can get a nice staggered effect and maximize screening.
Once the older lower leaves dry up they can be pulled cleanly away, exposing a textured trunk, but these leaves can also be removed before they are totally dry. This won't affect the health of the plant and is an effective way of reducing the crown.
Cordylines are an excellent choice for a pot, where they are low-maintenance plants for the long term.
In particularly windy conditions cordylines may develop brown frayed tips.
Colorful sports like this are often seen with yellow spotting on the leaves, which is usually a sign of not enough micronutrients in their diet, so be sure to always feed consistently and with a fertilizer that has a broad balance of nutrients such as magnesium.
Special Interest
Many small but attractive white flowers are an appreciated bonus to this wonderful foliage plant.
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
© 2020–2026 Grubb and Nadler. All rights reserved.