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cordyline australis varieties

Cordyline australis varieties are some of New Zealand’s most iconic and versatile plants, prized for their bold structure, striking foliage, and resilience. Also known as Cabbage Trees, these architectural natives bring a unique touch to gardens, landscapes, and even container plantings. If you’re looking to add colour, texture, or height to your outdoor areas, exploring the diverse range of Cordyline australis varieties is the perfect place to start. Below you’ll discover some of the most popular and eye-catching selections, each with their own standout features, as well as expert tips for choosing the best variety for your garden.

Cordyline stricta plants growing in their native setting.

Cordyline stricta

5 from 1 customers

Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush appearance. It typically grows to 3 m tall and spreads 2 m wide. Cordyline stricta is a great plant for adding height to plantings in narrow or confined spaces, maintaining in a container, including in tropical plantings, adding as an interesting feature to mixed plantings, or for planting around living areas.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Cordyline Showoff with green foliage growing by a shop against a black wall.

Cordyline Showoff

5 from 2 customers

Cordyline 'Showoff' is a vibrant, clump-forming variety renowned for its striking, variegated foliage in pink, red, and green, which adds instant impact to New Zealand gardens. Growing to around 1–1.2 metres tall, it forms a compact, tidy shape perfect for borders, containers, or accent planting. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Hardy to light frosts and tolerant of coastal conditions, 'Showoff' is a low-maintenance choice for year-round colour.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 60 cm
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Cordyline Showoff with green foliage growing by a shop against a black wall.

Cordyline Showoff

Cordyline 'Showoff' is a vibrant, clump-forming variety renowned for its striking, variegated foliage in pink, red, and green, which adds instant...

From$34.43
cordyline-lime-fountain-3

Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

From$29.63
Bright and cheerful Cordyline 'Can Can' foliage.

Cordyline 'Can Can'

Cordyline 'Can Can' is a colourful variety of the commonly known Cabbage Tree, and features pink and red variegated leaves. It grows to a height of...

From$43.13
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$29.63
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$343.89
Cordyline australis 'Red Star' plants with fabulous dark red-purple foliage.

Cordyline Red Star

Cordyline 'Red Star' is a popular evergreen plant renowned for its striking, deep red, sword-like leaves, which add a strong architectural form to...

From$21.53
Cordyline 'Jade Fountain' plant.

Cordyline Jade Fountain

Cordyline 'Jade Fountain' is a graceful evergreen plant admired for its arching jade green foliage and elegant fountain like form. The soft flowing...

Cordyline 'Raspberry Fountain' plants with colourful pink foliage.

Cordyline 'Raspberry Fountain'

Cordyline 'Raspberry Fountain' is a stunning, compact variety featuring cascading leaves in vibrant pink and deep burgundy tones. Its elegant...

From$70.13
cordyline-electric-star-

Cordyline Electric Star

Cordyline 'Electric Star' is a vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bold mix of green, cream, and pink tones that create striking year round...

From$29.63
Myrsine australis tree with green leaves and red stems.

Myrsine australis

Myrsine australis, commonly known as Red Matipo, is a hardy and versatile NZ native shrub. This evergreen plant is admired for its glossy green...

From$299.92
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...

Cordyline stricta

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agathis Cordyline and Myrsine, or related Categories - Flaxes Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

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Why Choose Cordyline Australis Varieties?

Cordyline australis varieties are well-loved for their dramatic, sword-shaped leaves and adaptability throughout New Zealand’s climates. They offer year-round interest and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for both novice gardeners and seasoned plant enthusiasts. Their tolerance for wind, coastal conditions, and light frosts, along with their drought resistance once established, means there’s a Cordyline australis suited to almost every location.

Popular Cordyline Australis Varieties

Cordyline australis

The classic Cordyline australis, often called the New Zealand Cabbage Tree, is a tall, reliable plant with lush green leaves and an elegant, upright habit. It’s perfect for creating a focal point or adding native flair to borders, driveways, or large pots.

Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree)

For a touch of intense colour, Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree) features rich purple-bronze foliage, offering dramatic contrast among green plantings or in modern landscape designs. This variety keeps its colour well throughout the year.

Cordyline Choc Mint

An exciting cultivar, Cordyline Choc Mint boasts chocolate-brown leaves with minty green margins. It’s excellent for adding sophisticated, multi-toned foliage to mixed beds and containers, or for planting en masse for a striking effect.

Cordyline Salsa

Cordyline Salsa is renowned for its compact form and glossy deep green and reddish-bronze strappy leaves. Its robust size and unique colouring make it ideal for contemporary or formal garden layouts where year-round texture is desired.

Cordyline Showoff

If you’re after a Cordyline covered in vibrant colour, Cordyline Showoff won’t disappoint. Its rich burgundy and bronze tones develop even more interest as the plant matures, and it’s a reliable performer in challenging sites, including coastal gardens.

How to Use Cordyline Australis Varieties in Your Garden

Cordyline australis varieties are highly versatile. They look fantastic as structural statements in native plantings, subtropical designs, or even urban courtyards. Try combining several varieties together—such as pairing the silvery green of Cordyline australis with the purple foliage of Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree) or the multi-toned Cordyline Choc Mint for maximum drama. They’re also low-care options for windy, dry, or coastal spots where other plants struggle to thrive.

Ready to bring structure, colour and classic New Zealand flair to your landscape? Explore our selection of cordyline australis varieties and transform your outdoor space with these iconic, easy-care plants.


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.

–The Plant Company

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