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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.

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

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

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Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers that bloom in early summer. Growing up to 20 metres tall, it features gnarled branches and leathery, silver-green leaves. Pōhutukawa is salt-tolerant, wind-hardy, and ideal for coastal planting, erosion control, and iconic feature trees. Its vibrant blooms and resilience make it a treasured symbol of summer and a standout in NZ landscapes.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Native
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. Ideal for feature planting or adding height to mixed landscapes, it delivers year round interest. Hardy and adaptable once established, it is a superb choice for creating a tropical inspired look.

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 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$35.81
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
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
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Schefflera arboricola

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

From$19.95
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
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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
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
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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
Agapanthus 'Agapetite' plant with lush green flowers and elegant white flowers.
Agapanthus 'Agapetite'

Agapanthus 'Agapetite', also known as the Dwarf Agapanthus, is a compact and vibrant perennial ideal for New Zealand gardens. This stunning variety...

From$19.50
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
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
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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...

From$28.91
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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
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
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
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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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$13.40
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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$13.40
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 banksii plant with lush green foliage in a garden.
Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline banksii is a small-growing NZ native Cabbage Tree. It produces several stems that can reach up to 3 m in height, bearing long and arching...

OUT OF STOCK
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Ginkgo, and Juniperus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

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 Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus pumila, but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves', Quince 'Pineapple', and Olive 'Koroneiki'.
–The Plant Company

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