The Cordyline australis is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is also named cabbage palm, cabbage tree or giant dracaena. The cabbage palm is endemic to New Zealand.

The genus name Cordyline derives from the Ancient Greek word kordyle which means club. It is a reference to the enlarged underground stems or rhizomes. The word australis is Latin for southern.

The name cabbage palm may be a bit confusing because this plant has nothing to do with a true palm.

The cabbage palm prefers a sunny spot, but also does well in part shade. The Cordyline australis likes well-drained and fertile soil. It does not like wet feet. The plant is very drought resistant once established and is tolerant to salt and heat. The cabbage palm can also withstand strong winds. The long strap like leaves are a natural defense against strong winds allowing the wind to pass through the crowns. The leaves do not have sharp points like Yuccas and agaves.

The Cordyline australis does not grow well in hot tropical climates like the Caribbean, Queensland (Australia), Southeast Asia or Florida (USA).

The cabbage palm tolerates some frost. Young plant and those with red leaves need some extra protection against frost. In mild winters the plant is evergreen. If a longer frost period is expected, it a wise to protect the growing points. You can do that by grabbing the leaves from bottom to top into a cone and tying them together with a rope that does not cut into the leaves or sticky tape. You can cover the top with plastic foil. As soon as the temperature rises you have to remove the plastic or else it will start to rot. It is also always advisable to cover the roots with a layer of mulch.

After severe frost it is possible that the trunk is damaged. You can feel your way down the trunk until it feels very hard and woody. At that point you cut the top off. Over summer it will reshoot. If the trunk is damage to the ground it will reshoot from the ground. All you need is patience. Do not give up too soon.

The best time to plant a Cordyline australis is in the spring. Cabbage palms do not like their root ball being disturbed. They develop a thick tap root that grows very deep. If you want to relocated the plant you will have to dig very deep or cut it and it will probably not survive that. The Cordyline australis develops a very large root mass which also makes it very hard to relocate. It is advisable to plant it about 3 to 4 meters away from any structure.

The plant may start flowering when the trunk 30 cm high but they may also wait until it is over a meter high. In other words: It may take 3 to 10 years before the cabbage palm starts to flower. Once the Cordyline australis has flowered the growing point will divide and the plant becomes multi headed. The bloom is in summer. The cabbage palm forms large, dense flower spikes with many tiny, white, fragrant flowers which develop into grey-black seeds.

 

Attracts bees: yes

Characteristic: evergreen

Deer resistant: yes

Exposure: sun/ part shade

Flower color: white

Flowering time: June - July

Foliage color: red

Fragrant flower: yes

Hardiness: 5 ºF (-15 ºC)

Height: 16 feet (5 m)

Soil: normal