Cordyline australis
cabbage palm
A small evergreen tree with several stout branches arising from a single trunk. Leaves long, sword-shaped, in dense clusters at the branch tips. Large panicles of small, fragrant cream flowers
Synonyms
Dracaena australis
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Blue White | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Not usually pruned
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to cordyline slime flux and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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