Cordyline australis
cabbage tree
New Zealand cabbage tree resembles lush joshua tree with rough obese trunk. Plumes of fragrant flowers in spring; easy and exotic.
 Height | 15–30ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 10–20ft |
 Tolerates | Coast, Cool Summers, Drought, Fog, Pots, Salt, Wind |
 Water needs | Low – Moderate |
Cordylines are surprisingly drought tolerant once established, though they will look their best with deep watering every week or two. Having good drainage is important with cordylines, which will also makes them quite tolerant of overwatering. This plant will grow in coastal California without supplimental water once established, but will have a spars and unapealing canopy. It looks much better when given infrequent deep watering during dry months. | |
 Hardy to | 15°F |
 Exposure | Full Shade – Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Foliage Feature, Grassy, Solitary, Tree, Tropical, Trunking |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose |
 Origin | New Zealand |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 5, 8, 9, 14–24 |
Growing Notes
Cordylines are versatile in the garden. These upright cordylines have a clean vertical form, but also respond well to a hard pruning back (even all the way to the ground) and will send new growth out wherever they are cut back. By cutting multiple canes at different levels you can get a nice staggered effect and maximize screening.
Once the older lower leaves dry up they can be pulled cleanly away, exposing a textured trunk.
Cordylines are an excellent choice for a pot, where they are low-maintenance plants for the long term.
In particularly windy conditions cordylines may develop brown frayed tips.
Special Interest
The biggest cordyline, creates a stunning specimen tree with greate age.
Many of the popular cordyline hybrids have C. australis in their genetics, giving them their upright tree form.
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
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