IN THE GARDEN: TI

LYON ARBORETUM

Latin name:
Cordyline fruticosa

By Liz Huppman
Special to the Star-Bulletin

Ti, or ki in Hawaiian, are shrubs with bare, upright stems topped with clusters of leaves. Green ti were originally brought to Hawaii by the first Polynesian settlers, who used them in a multitude of ways.

Now there are several varieties of green ti and many colorful hybrids of different sizes and shapes available in local nurseries.

Size: 1 to 15 feet tall, 6 to 60 inches wide
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Culture: Well-drained soil. Propagate by cuttings or seed.
Hardiness: Cannot tolerate freezing temperatures
Grooming: Prune to desired height. Replant tips.
Design tips: Best to use in clusters of the same variety either as an accent or as a hedge.

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Liz Huppman is a research assistant at Lyon Arboretum, University of Hawaii. "In the Garden" is a Friday feature about flora written by field experts.

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