Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

cabbage tree christchurch

The cabbage tree is one of Christchurch’s most iconic and resilient native plants, seen gracing gardens, parks, and streetscapes across the city. If you’re searching for “cabbage tree Christchurch,” you’re likely looking to add a touch of classic New Zealand style to your own landscape. With its unique, spiky foliage and statuesque form, the cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) thrives in Canterbury’s climate, providing year-round structure, a habitat for birds, and a distinctive Kiwi aesthetic. Whether you’re establishing a native garden, looking for low-maintenance landscaping ideas, or seeking drought-tolerant options, the cabbage tree is an excellent choice for Christchurch gardens.

Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

5 from 1 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.

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 'Broadsword' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Cordyline Broadsword

5 from 2 customers

Cordyline 'Broadsword' is a smaller variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, and features broad, bright green leaves held on a small tree. It grows with multiple, short stems that support the fantastic foliage as it reaches a height of 3 m and a width of 1.5 m. Cordyline 'Broadsword' makes for a lovely specimen and is commonly included in a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, or planted to soften a bland wall. The architectural form and attractive foliage make this plant the ideal choice for a modern or tropical garden.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical
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...

From$340.69
taxodium-cascade-falls-
Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

From$387.55
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$376.90
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
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...

From$13.40
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2
Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill)

Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

From$515.35
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
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
metasequoia-glyptostroboides-3
Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as the Dawn Redwood, is a deciduous tree that features fine, needle like, rich-green leaves which turn...

From$387.55
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2
Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

From$387.55
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$387.55
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4
Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$270.40
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

From$64.67
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$299.95
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

From$9.28
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
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
pear-doyenne-du-comice-semi-dwarf-2
Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
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
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

From$41.33
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Magnolia, and Metrosideros, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search cabbage tree

Why Plant Cabbage Trees in Christchurch?

Cabbage trees are perfectly adapted to the varied conditions found throughout greater Christchurch, from coastal suburbs to more sheltered urban areas. These hardy natives tolerate wind, salt spray, frosts, drought, and occasionally even waterlogged soils, making them suitable for a wide range of sites. Their tall trunks and graceful sword-shaped leaves create a visual focal point, while their perfumed flowers attract native birds and pollinators. Planting cabbage trees can also help create a low-maintenance, water-wise garden, as these trees require very little care once established.

Popular Cabbage Tree Varieties for Christchurch

While Cordyline australis is the classic cabbage tree, there are several related species suited for Christchurch gardens. Consider enhancing your landscape with unique cultivars and close relatives:

Mixing different cabbage tree varieties creates a visually interesting and biodiversity-friendly planting palette for your Christchurch property.

Planting and Care Tips for Cabbage Trees

To give your cabbage tree the best start in Christchurch conditions, choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Dig in some compost to encourage strong root development, and water young plants regularly until established. Cabbage trees are generally pest and disease-resistant, though young seedlings benefit from some shelter from rabbits or heavy frost in their first year. Prune away dead leaves as needed to keep your tree looking tidy.

Enhancing Your Native Garden

Combining cabbage trees with other New Zealand natives creates a naturalistic theme and supports wildlife. For example, consider planting alongside Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa) for vibrant summer flowers and enhanced bird-attracting power.

Cabbage trees are a timeless addition to any Christchurch garden, blending resilience with unmistakable style. Explore our range of Cordyline and companion natives to design a garden that celebrates the spirit of Canterbury.


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.

Start your garden with Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Bougainvillea 'Krishna', Pieris 'Temple Bells', and Leptinella dioica.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews