Cabbage tree (cordyline) Cordyline australis
Cabbage tree (cordyline) (Cordyline australis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Asparagaceae family, native to New Zealand. It grows 4–10 m (13–33 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Cabbage tree (cordyline) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 4–10 m (13–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Cabbage tree (cordyline) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, fruit
Saponins in the plant can cause vomiting and drooling in pets (ASPCA lists related Cordyline species).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cabbage tree (cordyline)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Cabbage tree (cordyline)
- How far apart should I plant Cabbage tree (cordyline)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Cabbage tree (cordyline) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cabbage tree (cordyline) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Cabbage tree (cordyline)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Cabbage tree (cordyline) flower?
- From about June for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cabbage tree (cordyline) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Saponins in the plant can cause vomiting and drooling in pets (ASPCA lists related Cordyline species).
- What grows well with Cabbage tree (cordyline)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cabbage tree (cordyline). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Tolerates salt wind and frost down to about -8 C once the trunk has formed; leaves burn but the plant usually re-shoots from the base after a hard freeze.
- Heavily scented flowers appear in early summer and the trunk branches after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana