Lyla Lindsey
Cordyline australis, also known as the cabbage tree, is a colourful, tropical evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. It is reasonably hardy and can survive outside in mild areas or sheltered spots during winter. It can grow in various types of soil, including clay, sand, loam, and chalk, but it needs to be well-drained, yet moist, and relatively fertile. Cordyline australis likes a lot of light, but it's best to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the vibrant colours of its leaves to fade. It can be grown from seed, but this can take years, so a quicker method is to propagate suckers that arise from the base of established plants.
How to grow Cordyline Australis
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Height | 1m to 10m+ |
| Foliage | Long, strappy or broad, colourful leaves |
| Climate | All except arid and semi-arid |
| Soil | Alkaline or neutral, well-drained, moist and fertile |
| Position | Sheltered, sunny location with plenty of light |
| Watering | Requires consistent hydration during dry spells |
| Feeding | Liquid fertiliser monthly during growing season |
| Flowering | Long sprays of tiny white or light pink flowers |
| Pruning | Can be pruned to any height |
| Propagation | Can be grown from seeds or shoots from the base of the plant |
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What You'll Learn
- Cordyline australis can be grown from seed, but it takes years to develop sizeable plants
- They like a lot of light, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent discolouration
- They are native to warmer climates and prefer warm, humid environments
- They can be grown in borders and containers, but need well-drained, fertile soil
- They are easy to care for and require very little maintenance once established
Cordyline australis can be grown from seed, but it takes years to develop sizeable plants
Cordyline australis, also known as the cabbage tree, is a versatile and striking plant. It is an evergreen shrub or palm-like tree native to New Zealand. Young plants have a low fountain of strappy foliage, and as they mature, they form a strong stem and can reach 3–10m (10–30ft) tall, resembling an exotic palm. The green-leaved varieties are the largest and fastest-growing, reaching around 5 metres high, while the coloured and variegated varieties are less vigorous, rarely growing larger than 2.5–3 metres high.
Cordylines are best planted in spring, after the last frost, to give them time to establish themselves before winter and increase their chances of survival. They can be grown in borders and containers but prefer a warm, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. The ideal pH level for cordyline varieties is between 6.6 and 8.0, and they grow well in various types of soil, including clay, sand, loam, and chalk. While they can tolerate minor frosts, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity will damage them. Most Cordyline varieties prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and struggle below 50°F (10°C). In colder climates, they are best grown as houseplants or in a greenhouse.
Cordylines like a lot of light, and while they can handle small amounts of shade, the ideal setting is a location that gets plenty of sunlight but not direct sunlight, as this can affect their vibrant colouring. They are easy to care for and require very little maintenance once established. However, it is important to note that too much water can be a problem, so water less, especially when it's cooler. Regularly check your cordyline for pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites, and treat any affected areas with soapy water, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil.
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They like a lot of light, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent discolouration
Cordyline australis, also known as the cabbage palm, is a versatile and striking plant native to New Zealand. It is a reasonably hardy plant that can survive outdoors in mild areas, especially in sheltered spots.
Cordyline australis likes a lot of light. When growing it outdoors, choose a spot that receives minimal shade. If you're growing it indoors, a spot near a window or in a greenhouse that gets plenty of sunlight is ideal. However, avoid placing it in an area that receives direct sunlight, as this can cause discolouration of the vibrant-coloured leaves. Full sun is ideal for green-leaved cordylines, but light shade is preferable for those with colourful or variegated leaves.
If you live in a colder region, you may need to protect your plant during winter. Bring it indoors or provide it with winter protection by wrapping it with fleece or placing it in a frost-free location.
Cordyline australis grown in containers require regular watering and feeding during the growing season, which is typically from late spring to late summer. They should be kept fairly dry in winter. Plants kept indoors over winter only need occasional watering.
Overall, Cordyline australis is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained, moist, and fertile soil with ample light but no direct sunlight.
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They are native to warmer climates and prefer warm, humid environments
Cordylines, or "Ti plants", are native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. These warmer climates are where they prefer to be—in warm, humid environments. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and can be grown outdoors in milder parts of the UK, especially in sheltered spots. They can also be grown as houseplants or in a greenhouse in colder climates.
Cordyline australis, in particular, is known for its hardiness and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it well-suited for outdoor gardens in temperate climates. It is the most widely grown species of cordyline and is native to New Zealand. It has plain green leaves, but there are also cultivars with variegated, coloured, or multicoloured foliage.
Cordylines like a lot of light and can even tolerate full sun or direct sunlight if they have green leaves. Varieties with coloured foliage, such as the Red Star or Electric Pink, prefer partial sunlight or light shade to prevent leaf burn and maintain their vibrant colours. They need regular watering, and while they like moist soil, it should not be soggy.
Cordylines grow best in well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil with a pH between 6.6 and 8.0. They can grow in various types of soil, including clay, sand, loam, and chalk, as long as it is fertile and well-drained. If the soil is sandy, mixing in some compost, peat, or topsoil will help retain moisture.
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They can be grown in borders and containers, but need well-drained, fertile soil
Cordylines can be grown in borders and containers, but they need well-drained, fertile soil. They are versatile and striking plants, with an exotic, tropical appearance. They are native to warmer climates and thrive in warm, humid environments, so they are well-suited to a sunny spot in the garden.
Cordyline australis is the hardiest species and can survive outdoors in mild parts of the UK, especially in a sheltered spot. They can also be grown in a greenhouse or as houseplants. They are easy to plant in borders and containers, but they do need well-drained, fertile soil. The ideal pH level is between 6.6 and 8.0, and the soil should be alkaline or neutral. If the pH level is too high, it can be adjusted by adding aluminium sulfate, soil sulphur, or chelated iron. If it is too low, add some pelletised limestone to the soil.
Cordylines can be grown from seed, but this takes a long time. They can also be propagated from suckers—shoots that arise from the base of the plant. These can be detached with a sharp knife and potted into small containers of cuttings compost mixed with grit, perlite, or vermiculite. They should then be placed in a well-lit spot, such as a windowsill or a greenhouse, and planted out the following year.
When growing cordylines in containers, it is important to use a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to late summer. They should be fed monthly during the growing season. Well-established cordylines may flower in hot summers, producing spikes of tiny white blooms, which can be left to produce small red or purple berry-like fruits.
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They are easy to care for and require very little maintenance once established
Cordylines are easy to care for and require very little maintenance once established. They are versatile and striking plants, with an exotic appearance. They can be grown in borders and containers, and like a warm, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil.
Cordyline australis is the hardiest species and should survive outdoors in mild parts of the UK, especially in a sheltered spot. They are native to warmer climates and prefer warm, humid environments. While they can tolerate minor frosts, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity will damage them. Most Cordyline varieties prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and struggle below 50°F (10°C). In colder climates, they are best grown as houseplants or in a greenhouse.
Cordylines like a lot of light. While they can deal with small amounts of shade, the ideal setting is a location that gets plenty of sunlight. If you’re growing it outdoors, choose a spot that gets minimal shade. If you plan on growing it indoors, a spot near a window or in a greenhouse is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the vibrant colours of the leaves to fade.
Cordylines are drought-tolerant once established, but new plants will require consistent hydration during dry spells in their initial growth phase. They should be fed with a general slow-release fertiliser each spring or during early summer. If you are growing your cordyline in a pot, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to late summer. Remember that overwatering can be a problem, so water less, especially when it’s cooler.
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