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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 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.

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.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.00 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
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$269.95
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

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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...

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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...

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Malus 'Echtermeyer'

Malus 'Echtermeyer' is a distinctive ornamental crabapple tree valued for its graceful weeping habit, masses of pink spring blossoms, attractive...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape...

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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
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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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Fraxinus griffithii

Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash) is a fast growing evergreen tree valued for its glossy foliage and neat upright form. It is well suited to New...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

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Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

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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...

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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
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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...

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Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

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An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

From$387.55
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Robinia 'Frisia'

Robinia 'Frisia' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that provides vibrant colour from spring through autumn...

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Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

Magnolia denudata 'Gere' is a magnificent deciduous tree celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

From$387.55
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Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

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A beautiful Magnolia denudata (Yulan Magnolia) white flower.
Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

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Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agathis, Cordyline, and Malus, or related Categories - Crabapples, 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 Stromanthe 'Triostar' and Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Pieris 'Temple Bells', Leptinella dioica, and Schefflera actinophylla.
–The Plant Company

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