Ornamental grasses are a popular staple of Bay Area gardens, so much so that growers keep bringing new ones to the market. One notable example is Cordyline 'Cha Cha.'

'Cha Cha' is one of the so-called trunkless cordylines, which in recent times have come to be known as festival grass. Cordylines aren't grasses at all and belong to the Agavaceae family, but the trunkless cultivars more so resemble the grass-like phormium varieties. Both feature sword-shaped leaves, though cordylines such as 'Cha Cha' have narrower leaves than most phormiums.

The uptick in popularity for festival grasses is obvious on first encounter. They're quite simply beautiful. The new arrival 'Cha Cha' is near the top of the list, featuring strap-like leaves showcasing gold, olive and pinkish-orange hues. Like other festival grasses, it will typically reach 3 to 4 feet in height and width. The upright and then spilling effect of the form is quite attractive, given the impression of a fountain.

Like other cordylines and phormiums, festival grass selections are hardy and low maintenance, descriptions that are usually music to the home gardener's ears.

Festival grasses can be employed in a variety of settings. They are probably most popular in mixed containers, where they provide both a vertical element and a splash of color. They are often paired with cascading plants such as bacopa, Lysimachia nummularia (creeping Jenny) or Lotus berthelotii (parrot's beak).

For another look, try combining festival grass selections with succulents. The contrast of thin, strap-like leaves with the fatter, rounder leaves of succulents like aeoniums or echeverias works surprisingly well. You can use color contrast with succulents, choosing bluish echeverias or the darker aeoniums such as zwartkop. You can even employ cascading sedums, such as the golden 'Angelina' or the bluish 'Blue Carpet' for the desired complement.

Other festival grasses

Other notable festival grasses include Cordyline 'Burgundy,' featuring rich, deep hues, and the lighter red Cordyline 'Raspberry.'

Think pink

The festival grass that really got the attention of a lot of gardeners and opened the door is the bright pink 'Electric Pink.' 'Southern Splendor' is a more muted pink with a striking olive center.

Did you know?

Dracaenas and Cordylines are closely related, the latter once being classified botanically as a dracaena. The taller Cordyline australis is commonly known as a giant dracaena. Cordylines are native to New Zealand, eastern Australia, southeastern Asia and Hawaii. Cordyline is from the Greek word kordyle, meaning club, referring to its large underground taproot.


Grow festival grasses in loose, well-drained soil in full sun or mixed sun and shade. USDA Zones 9 and 10. May go dormant in colder areas but will return in the spring. In colder zones, bring under shelter or cover with a cloth on subfreezing nights. Festival grasses can also be brought in the house during the winter.

Pests & diseases

As with all cordylines and phormiums, overwatering is the main cause of distress, leading to root rot. Excellent drainage is imperative. Scale and fungal spotting, as well as mealy bugs, can be a problem, although sun and stingy watering will minimize these problems.


Festival grasses can be found at Grand Lake Ace Garden Center in Oakland, as well as at East Bay Nursery and Berkeley Horticultural Nursery.
