Cordyline australis Black Knight

With its resemblance to a palm, Cordyline australis 'Black Knight' fits in any garden, whether it's a small garden, an exotic flower bed, or a large container. It's the perfect plant for coastal gardens, as it is resistant to wind and salt spray. It is moderately hardy and thrives in a mild climate. Elsewhere, it can be grown in a pot. This bushy, perennial plant has long linear leaves that are slightly arched and deep burgundy to intense purple. It blooms in summer, producing huge panicles of white, fragrant flowers. These are followed by bluish-white fruits.

Cordyline australis belongs to the Agavaceae family and is endemic to New Zealand. In its natural habitat, this tree-like perennial plant can reach a height of 20m and forms a sturdy, branching trunk. Each tip forms a cluster of linear leaves that can grow up to 1m long. Cordyline australis can be found in diverse habitats, such as forest edges, riverbanks, and open areas, especially near marshes. The 'Black Knight’ variety stands out with its evergreen foliage, which is deep burgundy to dark and glossy purple. Its long, linear leaves are gathered in an elongated cluster, reaching between 1.5 and 2m in all directions. Over time, it forms a small tree with a single trunk and branches adorned with leafy clusters. The white flowers are nectar-rich and delicately scented, forming large, dense panicles measuring 60 to 100cm long. These are followed by non-edible berries measuring 5 to 7mm in diameter, loved by birds.

As it is resistant to wind and salt spray, it's the ideal plant for coastal gardens. The 'Black Knight’ Cordyline with its dark foliage is easy to combine in a flower bed. It can also be planted in a pot on a balcony or terrace, or as a standalone plant on a lawn in a small garden. In an exotic-looking flower bed, pair it with a red Abyssinian banana tree with lush, purple-tinged foliage, and add colour with the orange flowers of Kniphofia ‘Alcazar’, Croscomia ‘Carmine Brillant’, or Canna ‘Angélique’ with purple-violet foliage. In a container, create contrast by opting for a Delosperma Wheels of Wonder ‘Golden’ with a spreading habit and bright yellow flowers.