Once thought of as mainly an indoor plant, Cordyline is steadily gaining popularity for use outside.

And at Dutch auctions, the attractive Cordyline plants are divided into two groups Cordyline fruticosa and other types. Often variegated or green with a red leaf margin, the plants of the fruticosa variety have broader shorter leaves and are grown as houseplants. On the other hand, Cordyline australis varieties have longer, narrow leaves and are mainly produced and sold as patio plants.

While the fruticosa variety is considered to be the houseplant Cordyline. the australis variety is considered to be the outdoor one. In fact they are both grown in greenhouses.