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mountain cabbage tree

Discover the striking beauty and unique presence of the mountain cabbage tree, a beloved native of New Zealand’s high country gardens. Known scientifically as Cordyline indivisa, this rare tree brings texture, structure, and architectural flair to any outdoor space. With its broad, blue-green leaves and compact stature, the mountain cabbage tree stands out from other Cordylines, making it a top choice for plant enthusiasts who crave something distinctive for their gardens.

Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

5 from 1 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.

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 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 '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$30.29
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Prunus Mountain Haze

Prunus Mountain Haze Tree Size and Growth Habit

From$515.35
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$22.01
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Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
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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
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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
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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
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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
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$387.55
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
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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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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
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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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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Rhododendron Vireya 'Red Mountain'

Rhododendron Vireya 'Red Mountain' is a striking tropical rhododendron celebrated for its vivid red flowers and lush evergreen foliage. The colourful...

From$28.91
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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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
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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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Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
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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
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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 indivisa tree with green foliage.
Cordyline indivisa (Mountain Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline indivisa, commonly known as the Mountain Cabbage Tree, features broad, green leaves radiating from a central crown. It grows into a tree...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline obtecta tree with lush green foliage.
Cordyline obtecta (Three Kings Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline obtecta, commonly known as the Three Kings Cabbage Tree, is a small NZ native tree. It grows with a solitary trunk, hosting rosettes of...

OUT OF STOCK
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 australis 'purpurea' plant with purple foliage.
Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline australis Purpurea is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its bold, sword like foliage in deep purple tones. This architectural...

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
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Podocarpus cunninghamii (Mountain Totara)

Podocarpus cunninghamii, commonly known as Mountain Totara, features small leaves which are held somewhat densely off sturdy branches. It typically...

OUT OF STOCK
Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cedrela, Cordyline, and Fuscospora, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Deciduous Shrubs, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search mountain cabbage tree

What is the Mountain Cabbage Tree?

The mountain cabbage tree (Cordyline indivisa) is a native New Zealand perennial, instantly recognisable by its wide, arching leaves and strong central trunk. Unlike some other Cordyline species with slim, strap-like leaves, the mountain cabbage tree displays bold foliage and a robust form, typically reaching 3–8 metres in height over time. Its natural habitat is in higher altitude forests and subalpine regions, which influences its preference for cooler, sheltered conditions.

Growing Mountain Cabbage Tree in New Zealand Gardens

Gardeners value the mountain cabbage tree for its resilience and dramatic visual impact. To grow it successfully, choose a site with well-drained, moisture-retentive soil and partial shade—perfect for positioning beneath taller trees or in a cool courtyard. While established plants can tolerate light frost, sustained periods of severe cold may damage leaves, so extra protection is recommended in colder areas.

Adding a Cordyline indivisa (Mountain Cabbage Tree) to your planting design can bring instant height and bold foliage to borders, native gardens, or as a stunning specimen in large planters. Feed with a balanced fertiliser each spring, mulch generously, and ensure regular watering during dry spells to keep your mountain cabbage tree thriving.

Unique Features and Landscaping Uses

The broad, upright leaves of the mountain cabbage tree create an unmistakable silhouette in the landscape. This species pairs beautifully with ferns, native grasses, and other Cordylines to evoke an authentic New Zealand landscape. For additional colour or textural contrast, consider introducing Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree) into your garden. These Cordyline relatives share similar requirements but offer a range of leaf colours and sizes.

For smaller garden spaces, Cordyline pumilio (Dwarf Cabbage Tree) delivers the Cordyline look with a compact form. If you’d like to explore more Cordyline species, Cordyline albertii and Cordyline obtecta (Three Kings Cabbage Tree) are excellent companion choices, each with their own unique attributes.

Why Choose the Mountain Cabbage Tree?

The mountain cabbage tree is prized for both its rarity and its ability to add an immediate wow factor to any New Zealand garden. Its foliage delivers movement and shade, while providing valuable habitat for native birds. Whether you’re designing a modern urban space or restoring a native landscape, this majestic tree is a must-have for gardeners seeking a true New Zealand icon.

Browse our range of Cordyline indivisa (Mountain Cabbage Tree) and related Cordylines to find the perfect plants for your project. Let the distinctive form of the mountain cabbage tree transform your garden into a sanctuary of Aotearoa’s natural beauty.

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.
Our garden favourites Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' and Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm), Lagerstroemia 'Townhouse', and Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose).
–The Plant Company

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