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Cordyline australis Purpurea Group

cabbage palm Purpurea Group

An erect, sparsely branched evergreen tree to 6m, bearing purple-bronze, sword-shaped leaves at the branch tips. In summer, mature trees produce a mass of tiny, creamy-white flowers in dense clusters to 1m long. A good container plant when young, and makes an architectural tree when mature

Synonyms
Cordyline australis 'Purpurea'
Cordyline purple-leaved
see moreCordyline australis purple-leaved
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Bronze Purple
Summer Cream Bronze Purple
Autumn Bronze Purple
Winter Bronze Purple
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Cordyline are palm-like evergreen shrubs or tree-like perennials, with rosettes or tufts of linear or anrrowly lance-shaped, leathery leaves, and terminal panicles of fragrant, cup-shaped flowers followed by small. spherical berries

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Young plants may require winter protection in very cold areas. See cordyline cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed, stem cuttings or removing suckers in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to cordyline slime flux and honey fungus (rarely)

Get involved

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