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Beginner
skill rating |
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4m
max. spread |
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6m
max. height |
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20-50 years
to maturity |
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1 hour care
per year |
Botanical name: Cordyline australis
Other names: Cabbage tree, Palm lily, Cabbage palm, New Zealand cabbage palm, New Zealand dragon plant, Torbay palm
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Genus: Cordyline
Species: C. australis - C. australis is a architectural, palm-like, evergreen tree with long, sword-shaped, leathery leaves and large panicles of fragrant, creamy flowers in summer.
Cordyline australis is: Evergreen
Flower: Insignificant or absent, Cream in Summer
Foliage: Green in All seasons
Fruit: Blue-green in Autumn
Fragrance: Flowers are highly scented.
Tree shape: Single stemmed palm, cycad or tree
Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Plant with:
Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens' (Crimson bottlebrush 'Splendens'), Callistemon rugulosus (Scarlet bottlebrush), Correa 'Dusky Bells' (Australian fuchsia 'Dusky Bells'), Verbena Sandy Series (Vervain Sandy Series)
Cordyline australis (Cabbage tree) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.
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Suggested uses: Architectural, Coastal, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Sub-Tropical, Foliage only
Cultivation: Plant in moist, free-draining soil in full sun or light shade, in a sheltered position.
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| Soil types: |
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |
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| Soil drainage: |
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained |
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| Soil pH: |
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
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| Light: |
Partial Shade, Full Sun |
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| Aspect: |
South, West |
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| Exposure: |
Sheltered |
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| Hardiness: |
Tender in frost (H3) |
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Discuss Cordyline australis (Cabbage tree) with other Shoot members.
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Question from
liz hankins
My Cordyline Australis was a beautiful mature 25ft tree until this year when it succumbed to the winter and I had to remove all the greenery and cut back the rotted wood. It is now re-shooting- but at ground level with 15 ft of trunk above it and 3 branches at the top. Should I leave them to see if it shoots higher and wrap this winter ( I did not protect it last year) or remove all the wood above the shoots?
- Views: 71
- Replies: 3
- Posted: Sun. 2nd October 2011 00:11
- Last reply: Tue. 11th October 2011 00:55
Comment from
Hans Schumann
I have been worried about the brown tips of my Cordyline australis for a while. Now I have noticed brown spots on the lower parts of the leaves (see picture). Could this be a disease?
- Views: 386
- Replies: 6
- Posted: Tue. 31st May 2011 19:18
- Last reply: Mon. 9th January 2012 10:23
Comment from
Ben Smith
I have an established tree about 18ft tall and has suddenly started to rapidly lose its tops; coming off in clumps of green, otherwise healthy looking leaves. There is also a pinkish milky sap coming through the bark at the base.
Is this the end of my tree, or is there something fast I can do to prevent it!?
- Views: 321
- Replies: 6
- Posted: Sat. 5th February 2011 09:06
- Last reply: Fri. 4th March 2011 13:53
Question from
Eileen Christie
My cabbage palms took a real hit this winter. My neighbour tells me they suffered similarly about 40 years ago and recovered. However, there is no sign of any shoots so I think it must be time to prune. The question is - how much. I do not want to take them back to stumps as I like 2 trees framing the house. I have marked lines on the photo. Would this amount be OK, I wonder? Grateful for any hints.
- Views: 829
- Replies: 2
- Posted: Mon. 28th June 2010 10:57
- Last reply: Tue. 29th June 2010 20:10
Comment from
Laura Thomas
Just noticed today that my Cordyline Australis (Cabbage Tree) has a long spike of buds emerging from the crown. It's about 8-9 years old and this is it's first time.Is it usual to take so long to flower?
Came through the winter unprotected (no fleece covering) and unharmed. This was it's severest winter yet - maybe the shock has forced the flowering.
- Views: 190
- Replies: 2
- Posted: Sun. 9th May 2010 01:16
- Last reply: Fri. 14th May 2010 10:44
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