Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

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 australis

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.

Buy Cordyline australis

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 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 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.

Buy Cordyline stricta

From $44.09

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

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.

cordyline australis varieties

Cordyline australis

Cordyline stricta

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose Cordyline Australis Varieties?