Kiwi Ti Plant overlooked for tried-and-true Ti’s.

Kiwi Ti Plant, or Cordyline fruticosa ‘Kiwi’, would likely win for Best Costume Design if Oscars were awarded to Ti plants. But for some, their striking colors take a backseat to the more mainstream, ruby-colored varieties. Why? With the exception of two, all Plantopinions experts seemed rather blasé about this lesser-known beauty – which, incidentally, didn’t prevent it being installed at ArtisTree’s own Design Center. Read on.

Joe Mantkowski, ArtisTree VP Landscape Design:

All I have to say is move over, Red Sister Ti Plant. I’ve used this variety for years but have lately been switching to Kiwi Ti for areas that have a nice filtered tree canopy. Its colors are amazing, and the care requirements are basically the same as other Ti plants.  We just installed several Kiwi Ti plants at ArtisTree’s Design Center, and every client who comes in remarks how much their colors pop. They add exceptional depth to tropical-inspired landscapes.

Clinton Lak, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

I’ve never used the Kiwi Ti Plant before. My go-to Ti plants are Hawaiian Ti and Black Magic Ti. Both have a long, proven track record and perform well in areas ranging from dense shade to mixed light conditions. Ti plants in general are an excellent way to create tropical appeal in virtually any garden, particularly when you pair them with fine textured tropicals such as Green Island Ficus or Philodendron Xanadu. In addition to providing amazing color, they’re lower maintenance, too. Be sure to keep your Ti plants in a warm micro-climate since they don’t tolerate cold temperatures very well.

Chris Culp, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

Most of my customers prefer traditional Ti plants that offer a deep, rich ruby color. They’re looking for a very sharp, distinct contrast that a Kiwi Ti doesn’t necessarily offer. It’s really just a matter of personal preference, that’s all. Kiwi Ti plants make a statement but in a softer way. All Ti Plant varieties require filtered shade in varying degrees and do poorly in full sun.

Brian Clouser, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

The Kiwi Ti is like most Ti plants with regard to plant care and shade requirements. They like to be protected from wind and cold. I like Kiwis under fairly dense tree canopies where they get filtered light throughout the day. They’re great for getting color and height in a tropical shade garden. There are some other varieties that will tolerate more sun, but these give a lot of nice color in shaded areas.

Elisabeth Owen, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

I haven’t used Kiwi Ti, but I know it likes moderate to full shade, gets somewhat messy, and looks ugly when it gets cut back before regenerating growth again. In general, you often see Ti plants used at entryways where a vertical plant is needed. Most people don’t like them after a period of time, as they get leggy at the bottom and require a lower plant to hide the “stems.” They’ll burn in too much sun. ‘Auntie Lou’ is a nice burgundy choice and ‘Black Magic’ has a dark, almost black leaf. Both make nice impacts.

Conan Michel, ArtisTree Landscape Operations Manager:

I like Ti plants, but honestly, I get more order requests for the Red Sister and Black Magic varieties. The Kiwi Ti isn’t as popular for some reason, maybe because it requires a bit more shade than the others and is a little fussy about the amount of filtered sun it receives.

ArtisTree “Plantopinions” is a roundtable debate between ArtisTree experts on the virtues of various plant specimens. Sometimes there’s consensus and sometimes not. In the end, you are the judge.

Contact ArtisTree Landscape 941.488.8897

To get your landscape renovation started now, browse ArtisTree’s portfolio and then call Jenni Lassen at 941.488.8897, ext. 312, to meet with one of our award-winning designers. We proudly serve Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and South Hillsborough counties.

ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.  

Category News, Shrubs