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Cabbage Tree Palm

The Story

Plant Bio

Livistona australis, the cabbage tree palm, is a tall, single-stemmed evergreen palm native to the moist forests and coastal swamps of eastern Australia. It develops a slender grey trunk marked with ringed scars, topped by a dense, rounded crown of glossy, fan-shaped fronds.

This species is distinguished by its exceptional cold hardiness, making it one of the few Australian native palms capable of thriving in temperate southern climates. The long leaf stalks are armed with sharp, curved spines near the base, and older dead fronds naturally persist to form a protective hanging skirt beneath the crown.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dramatic, architectural focal point with its tall, ringed trunk and dense crown of glossy, weeping fan fronds.

Highly tolerant of salt spray, high humidity, and urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for coastal and metropolitan streetscapes.

Supports native birds which consume the globose fruits and use the dense canopy for shelter, while native bees visit the nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

984 inches

Width

236 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (spines present)

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to part shade with deep, moist, organically rich soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the palm is planted at the same level it was in the pot.
Water deeply immediately after planting and maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first two summers.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Retain the natural skirt of older fronds or prune only fully dead, brown leaves close to the trunk; flush-cutting into live stem tissue creates entry wounds for pathogens and structurally stresses the palm.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods to prevent leaf tip-burn.
Protect young, newly planted specimens from severe frosts.
Use thick gloves when handling or pruning to protect against the sharp petiole spines.

Don't

Do not cut into live, green tissue or strip the trunk prematurely when removing old fronds.
Do not plant directly under low eaves, power lines, or in confined overhead spaces.
Do not use tree climbing spikes or chainsaws on the trunk, as wounds invite pathogens.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantingCoastal GardensRainforest GardensAvenue Planting

Companion Plants

Cordyline stricta Asplenium australasicum Cyathea cooperi

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cabbage Tree Palm questions

What zones can Cabbage Tree Palm grow in?

Cabbage Tree Palm is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Cabbage Tree Palm bloom?

Cabbage Tree Palm typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cabbage Tree Palm need full sun?

Cabbage Tree Palm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cabbage Tree Palm drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cabbage Tree Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.