Species

Cordyline australisCabbage Tree

4 other cultivars

shrub

Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis 'Pocahontas'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cordyline australis, the cabbage tree, is an upright, architectural evergreen tree native to New Zealand that develops a distinct palm-like head of arching, sword-shaped leaves on a woody trunk. In summer, mature specimens produce large, dense, branching panicles of small, cream-colored flowers that attract bees and generalist pollinators.

'Pocahontas' is distinguished by its compact, garden-friendly habit and striking foliage displaying rich bronze, dark burgundy, and deep green tones. This cultivar maintains a dense, stiffly tufted crown of long, strap-like leaves that intensify in color when grown in full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking architectural focal point with its upright, palm-like habit and rich bronze-burgundy foliage.

Highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and maritime winds, making it excellent for seaside landscapes.

Creamy summer flowers provide pollen and nectar resources for bees and generalist insect pollinators.

SpeciesCordyline australisCabbage Tree

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with fertile, exceptionally well-drained loam or sandy soil in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Water deeply at planting, then allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer once in early spring to support seasonal growth.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into the bare, leafless woody trunk sections expecting clean regrowth; instead, limit pruning to removing the naturally drooping, spent lower leaves to preserve the architectural form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure immaculate soil drainage to prevent fatal root rot.
Provide protection from scorching afternoon sun in hot continental interior climates.
Keep out of reach of dogs and cats due to toxic saponins in the foliage.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged, heavy clay soils.
Do not prune into old, bare woody trunk sections expecting them to branch cleanly.
Do not apply heavy or high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantContainer AccentCoastal GardenArchitectural Focal Point

Companion Plants

Phormium tenax Panicum virgatum Salvia Agave

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cabbage Tree questions

What zones can Cabbage Tree grow in?

Cabbage Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cabbage Tree deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cabbage Tree, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cabbage Tree bloom?

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

Does Cabbage Tree need full sun?

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

Is Cabbage Tree drought tolerant?

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