Species

Cordyline australisCabbage Tree

4 other cultivars

tree

Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis 'Kasper Green'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cordyline australis is an upright, single-stemmed or sparsely branched monocot tree native to New Zealand that develops a dense, fountain-like crown of long, sword-shaped leaves with age. In late spring and summer, mature specimens produce massive, multi-branched panicles of sweetly fragrant, creamy-white flowers.

'Kasper Green' is distinguished by its exceptionally fresh, glossy, vibrant green foliage that maintains its color year-round. This selection forms a highly structured, architectural silhouette, reaching a mature height of approximately eighty inches and a width of forty inches in cultivation.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a bold, architectural silhouette with year-round glossy green foliage and fragrant summer flower panicles.

Tolerates high winds and salt spray, making it highly effective for coastal landscaping.

Attracts generalist insect pollinators, including bees, to its nectar-rich summer blooms.

SpeciesCordyline australisCabbage Tree

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

79"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Toxic to Cats and Dogs

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, such as a raised bed or sandy loam slope.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at the same soil level as it did in its container.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in early spring to support seasonal growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in highly permeable soil to prevent root rot, and avoid pruning into old, leafless wood, as bare trunks lack the active nodes required to reliably regenerate new foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune dead or dying lower leaves by cutting them cleanly at the base of the leaf sheath.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging and subsequent root decay.
Overwinter containers indoors in a bright, cool room if gardening north of USDA Zone 8b.

Don't

Do not rip or tear dying leaves from the trunk, as this damages the bark and invites disease.
Do not prune back into old, bare wood, which fails to resprout reliably.
Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in standing water.

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

Architectural focal point in coastal gardensContainer specimen for patios and courtyardsStructural accent in Mediterranean-style landscapes

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Yucca filamentosa Agave attenuata

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 8–10. 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 late spring 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.