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dwarf cabbage tree

The dwarf cabbage tree is a sought-after addition to New Zealand gardens, celebrated for its compact size, striking form, and low-maintenance nature. If you're searching for a smaller alternative to the classic cabbage tree, the dwarf cabbage tree offers architectural foliage and a native flair without taking over your space. Perfect for modern landscapes, containers, or mass native plantings, this elegant Cordyline is ideal for gardeners looking to combine style with practicality.

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

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.

From $30.29

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
phormium-pepe-
Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium 'Pepe' is a compact New Zealand flax prized for its fine green foliage and neat mounding growth habit. This hardy evergreen provides year...

From$19.95
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
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
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...

From$16.49
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$22.01
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
A Ginkgo biloba 'Little Weeper' tree in a mixed planting.
Ginkgo 'Little Weeper'

Ginkgo 'Little Weeper', commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has...

From$387.55
ulmus-lobel-
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
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$28.91
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
schefflera-arboricola-
Schefflera arboricola

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its lush foliage, attractive growth habit, and versatility. The...

From$29.95
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
pb-28-planter-bags-
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
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$16.95
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
feijoa-bambina-
Feijoa 'Bambina'

Feijoa 'Bambina' is a compact, dwarf variety perfect for small gardens, patios, and containers. It grows to around 1.5 m tall and wide, forming a...

From$31.67
pb-60-planter-bags-
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
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Phormium 'Green Dwarf', also known as Dwarf Green Flax, is a compact, tidy New Zealand flax cultivar with lush, bright green, strap-like leaves. It...

From$8.50
jute-tree-tie-1
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
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
cloth-tree-tie-
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
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
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
hymenosporum-gold-nugget--2
Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget'

Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget' (Dwarf Frangipani) is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant creamy yellow...

From$34.43
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
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
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
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
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
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
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
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...

From$16.95
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 albertii

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search dwarf cabbage tree

What is the Dwarf Cabbage Tree?

The most well-known dwarf cabbage tree is Cordyline pumilio (Dwarf Cabbage Tree), a compact species native to New Zealand's North and South Islands. Unlike its taller relatives, Cordyline pumilio typically grows to just 1 metre tall and wide, making it perfectly suited for smaller gardens, urban courtyards, and patio pots. The lush, arching green leaves add texture and movement, while its low height means it won’t block views or crowd other plants.

Why Choose a Dwarf Cabbage Tree for Your Garden?

Choosing a dwarf cabbage tree brings numerous advantages. Its modest size fits easily into small corners or under larger trees, and it's ideal for creating structure in native garden designs. With its strong drought tolerance and ability to thrive in sun or part shade, it's well adapted to New Zealand's variable climate. Plant it as a feature specimen, dot it through native borders, or combine with other architectural plants for a contemporary look. For those with limited space or want to add a true New Zealand native to pots, the dwarf cabbage tree is an excellent choice.

Companion Plants and Design Ideas

The compact shape of the dwarf cabbage tree makes it a prime candidate for combinations with other natives and drought-tolerant plants. Pairing it with Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax) creates a beautiful contrast of leaf textures and colours, both staying neat and contained. In larger mixed beds, consider layering with the taller Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree) for vertical interest, or introduce Cordyline albertii for striking variegated foliage that draws the eye.

Growing and Caring for Your Dwarf Cabbage Tree

One of the great joys of growing a dwarf cabbage tree is its ease of care. Plant in free-draining soil with good sunlight for best results. While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering in the first season helps it settle in. It rarely suffers from pests or diseases, and minimal pruning is required if you want to keep its shape tidy. Mulch around the base in spring, and the plant will reward you with year-round greenery and structure.

Other Cabbage Tree Varieties

While the dwarf cabbage tree is perfect for compact spaces, gardeners interested in adding diversity to their landscape may look to other native Cordylines. Options like Cordyline indivisa (Mountain Cabbage Tree) boast broad, dramatic foliage for a lush look, while Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree) offers a more upright growing habit. Blending dwarf and standard varieties in your garden can create a layered, naturalistic effect that is both beautiful and ecologically valuable.

Ready to add a dash of native charm and architectural style to your garden? The Cordyline pumilio (Dwarf Cabbage Tree) is your top choice for a versatile, attractive feature that thrives year-round in New Zealand gardens.

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.
It’s easy to pick Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) and Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem', Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush), and Azalea 'Kosmos'.
–The Plant Company

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