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cabbage palm tree

The cabbage palm tree is a striking, versatile feature for New Zealand gardens, prized for its bold architectural form and resilience. Whether you’re seeking a hardy focal point for coastal landscapes or a low-maintenance statement tree for an urban courtyard, the cabbage palm tree is a superb choice. Its iconic silhouette, fan-like leaves, and trunk create instant visual impact, while its adaptability makes it a favourite among garden designers. If you’re searching for a plant that combines beauty with toughness, the cabbage palm tree delivers both in abundance.

Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

5 from 3 customers

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves and scented spring flowers that attract birds. Ideal for coastal, rural, and urban landscapes, this low-maintenance tree adds height, texture, and native charm to any garden.

From $16.49

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.

Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This eye catching form adds brightness and structure to New Zealand gardens while maintaining a strong architectural presence.

From $340.69

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical
Cordyline 'Broadsword' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Cordyline Broadsword

Cordyline 'Broadsword' is a smaller variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, and features broad, bright green leaves held on a small tree. It...

From$30.29
Rhopalostylis sapida palms growing as a cluster.
Rhopalostylis sapida

Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as Nikau Palm, is a fast-growing and beautiful Palm tree. From a central trunk, it produces large and broad...

From$30.29
Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) in a luxurious garden.
Cycas revoluta

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, or Japanese Sago Palm, is an impressive and popular, small Palm tree. It...

From$248.92
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

From$425.89
Cordyline stricta plants growing in their native setting.
Cordyline stricta

Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush...

From$44.09
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) is a graceful, fast growing palm known for its arching fronds and tropical appearance. This elegant tree adds...

From$202.44
phoenix-roebelenii--3
Phoenix roebelenii

Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm) is an elegant palm valued for its fine, arching fronds and compact tropical appearance. The graceful green...

From$152.64
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Dypsis baronii (Sugar Cane Palm) with lush, green foliage.
Dypsis baronii

Dypsis baronii, commonly known as The Sugar Cane Palm, is a stunning plant which is well suited to smaller gardens. It is renowned for its multiple...

From$71.69
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Livistona australis tree in a park with lush green foliage.
Livistona australis

Livistona australis, commonly known as the Cabbage Tree Palm, is a striking palm native to eastern Australia. It features a tall, slender trunk...

OUT OF STOCK
sabal-palmetto-3
Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm)

Sabal palmetto (Sabal Palm) is a striking evergreen palm valued for its bold fan shaped foliage, sturdy trunk, and strong architectural presence. The...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline obtecta tree with lush green foliage.
Cordyline obtecta (Three Kings Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline obtecta, commonly known as the Three Kings Cabbage Tree, is a small NZ native tree. It grows with a solitary trunk, hosting rosettes of...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline banksii plant with lush green foliage in a garden.
Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline banksii is a small-growing NZ native Cabbage Tree. It produces several stems that can reach up to 3 m in height, bearing long and arching...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline indivisa tree with green foliage.
Cordyline indivisa (Mountain Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline indivisa, commonly known as the Mountain Cabbage Tree, features broad, green leaves radiating from a central crown. It grows into a tree...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline pumilio plant (Dwarf Cabbage Tree).
Cordyline pumilio (Dwarf Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline pumilio, commonly known as the Dwarf Cabbage Tree or Ti Koraha, is a compact New Zealand native plant ideal for ground cover and...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline australis 'purpurea' plant with purple foliage.
Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline australis Purpurea is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its bold, sword like foliage in deep purple tones. This architectural...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Cycas, and Phoenix, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Cycad, and Palm Trees.

Search cabbage palm tree

What is a Cabbage Palm Tree?

The term “cabbage palm tree” can refer to several different plants, including both native and exotic species. In New Zealand, the Cordyline genus is widely known as the cabbage tree and often mistaken for classic palms, though they’re technically not true palms. The Cordyline australis, or New Zealand cabbage tree, is the most well-known, visually similar to a palm tree and highly valued for its elegant, spiky leaves and creamy white flower clusters.

Internationally, the cabbage palm tree most commonly refers to the Sabal palmetto, native to the southeastern United States. The Sabal palmetto features a robust, textured trunk and large, fan-shaped fronds, with fantastic salt tolerance and cold hardiness—ideal for challenging coastal sites.

Cabbage Palm Tree Uses in the Garden

Cabbage palm trees are loved for their statement shape, making them superb structural plants in tropical or contemporary garden designs. Use singular specimens to frame an entranceway or line a driveway with a row for a dramatic effect. Their tolerance to wind, salt, and variable soils means they thrive in exposed sites—perfect for seaside gardens or windy rural sections.

Many gardeners use the Cordyline species, such as Cordyline albertii, Cordyline obtecta (Three Kings Cabbage Tree), and Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree), as subtropical features, under-planting them with colourful perennials or groundcovers for layered effect.

Growing and Care Tips

The cabbage palm tree is prized for its low-maintenance nature. Plant in well-drained soil in a spot with full sun to part shade. It’s drought and frost tolerant once established, although young plants benefit from regular watering and protection in frosty conditions. Remove dead leaves at the base as needed for a tidy look, but otherwise, these trees demand very little attention.

In New Zealand conditions, most cabbage palm trees are pest and disease resistant. Fertilise in spring with a slow-release fertiliser to encourage vigorous growth and lush foliage. Both the native Cordyline and exotic Sabal palmetto are resilient enough to withstand coastal winds and saline soils, making them highly versatile.

Varieties to Explore

If you’re inspired by the look of the cabbage palm tree, consider exploring related varieties. Cordyline australis offers a quintessential Kiwi touch, while Cordyline albertii brings a splash of vibrant colour to your garden. For collectors, Cordyline obtecta (Three Kings Cabbage Tree) and Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree) provide unique forms and foliage. For a truly palm-like look, the Sabal palmetto offers classic tropical flair, even in New Zealand’s varied climates.

Bring a touch of arching elegance and robust character to your landscape with the cabbage palm tree—an evergreen classic for gardens large and small.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
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–The Plant Company

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