Ti plants (Cordyline terminalis) add pizazz to the garden landscape.

The spectrum of colors of ti are so encompassing that the plants can be utilized in landscaping either as focused highlights or shadows.

The ti plant (ki in Hawai'i) was introduced here by the earliest Polynesian travelers and is one of the most important "canoe" plants of ancient Hawai'i. Ki is regarded as sacred to the Hawai'i god Lono and to the goddess of hula, Laka. It was a symbol of high rank and spiritual power.

The feathered kahili derived its signature form from the ki stalk, with its clustered foliage of glossy, green leaves.

Ki's remarkable leaves have a multitude of uses. The shiny, dense and flexible leaves do not wilt rapidly. They are used as wrappings for offerings, protection and preservation, coverings for cool food storage and food to be cooked, as plates or cups, as whisks or fans, for roof thatching, as sandals and shingled rain capes (kui la'i), and for fishing with hukilau nets. Leaves were also incorporated in various medicinal applications.

Of course, ki leaves are also highly ornamental, when woven, twisted or braided into lei for special celebrations.

But today, because of chance mutations in recent decades, multiple colors have appeared in ki, igniting the spark of interest as a landscape factor.

With ki in your garden, you derive immediate gratification. Since you are not relying on plant flowers that are seasonal in their floral display, ki has appeal 365 days of the year. Their decorative character is highlighted when you plant groupings of mixed varietals. Flashes of reds, greens, golds, pinks and creams create a rainbow palette of striking colors that makes for an unparalleled, accented landscape.

Your clusters take on even more dramatic punctuation when ki with slender, gracefully tapering leaves and ki with wider, plump leaves are blended with standard and long-leaved varieties.

When your landscape design incorporates low-growing plants, you can not surpass the visual variation of red and green ki miniatures.

Most nurseries start with large-tip cuttings when propagating named cultivars. The potting medium for ki plants should be of rich quality, with excellent aeration and water-holding capacity. Steady growth can be obtained with either liquid or slow-release fertilizers. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 for your medium is your desired level. Air temperatures for maximum growth are 65 to 95 degrees. Ki will tolerate lower and higher temperatures, but growth rates will be reduced.

Ki halts the monotonous march of green. The plants are easy to propagate, fast-growing, prosper in various light conditions, and their tonal range of colors provide a natural botanical rainbow.

Mesmerize everyone with your artistic interpretation of how ki accentuates the exquisite grandeur of nature.