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purple cabbage tree

The purple cabbage tree is a striking feature in New Zealand gardens, bringing bold colour, architectural form, and year-round interest to a wide range of landscapes. Often sought after for its impressive foliage and hardy nature, the purple cabbage tree is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet visually captivating tree. Its deep burgundy to purple leaves create a dramatic contrast when paired with lush green foliage or more formal hedges, making it an excellent choice for borders, specimen planting, or even pots and containers.

Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea'

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is a striking New Zealand native shrub admired for its rich purple toned foliage and bold architectural form. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and structure, making it an excellent feature for modern landscapes, native gardens, and mixed borders.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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Acer platanoides 'Nigrum'

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly coloured leaves emerge dark and maintain their dramatic appearance through the growing season before developing warm autumn tones.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
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Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii'

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its rich deep purple foliage that creates a dramatic display from spring until...

From$270.40
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Prunus 'Thundercloud'

Prunus 'Thundercloud' is a striking ornamental plum tree admired for its rich purple foliage and masses of soft pink flowers during spring. This...

From$349.95
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
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Prunus 'Blireiana'

Prunus 'Blireiana' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant double pink blossoms and colourful foliage. Masses of fragrant...

From$399.95
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Acer negundo 'Violaceum'

Acer negundo 'Violaceum' is an attractive deciduous maple valued for its distinctive purple tinted young growth and fresh green foliage. The new...

From$399.95
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$340.69
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
Cercis Forest Pansy growing in a courtyard garden with purple leaves.
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' is a spectacular deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its vibrant rosy pink spring flowers and stunning deep...

From$270.40
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Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg'

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its deeply cut rich purple red foliage and distinctive curled leaf edges. The...

From$399.95
Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

From$10.95
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Cercis 'Ruby Falls'

Cercis 'Ruby Falls' is a spectacular weeping deciduous ornamental tree admired for its masses of rosy pink flowers that appear on bare branches in...

From$192.51
A Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) specimen tree with colourful, orange foliage in autumn.
Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as the Persian Ironwood Tree, is a small tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours. The foliage emerges light...

From$192.51
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
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$99.95
malus-profusion-4
Malus 'Profusion'

Malus 'Profusion' is a stunning ornamental crabapple tree celebrated for its rich purple foliage, deep crimson spring flowers, and glossy dark red...

From$387.55
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Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
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
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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
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$37.19
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Heuchera 'Glitter'

Heuchera 'Glitter' is a stunning perennial admired for its shimmering silver foliage highlighted with dark veining and rich purple undersides. The...

From$22.01
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Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'

Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and compact garden form. The...

From$270.40
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
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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
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
Magnolia 'Cleopatra' purple flowers.
Magnolia 'Cleopatra'

Magnolia 'Cleopatra' is a compact, upright deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and admired for its large, goblet-shaped, cerise-purple flowers...

From$270.40
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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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$270.40
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
Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search purple cabbage tree

What is the Purple Cabbage Tree?

Commonly referred to as Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree), this desirable cultivar is a variant of the iconic New Zealand cabbage tree. The purple cabbage tree features long, sword-shaped leaves with a rich, smoky purple hue, adding a contemporary edge to native plantings or coastal gardens. Much like the standard Cordyline australis, the Purpurea variety is well-suited to New Zealand’s diverse climate, thriving in both full sun and part shade. Its tolerance for wind, coastal exposure, and poor soils has made it a firm favourite in local gardens, urban parks, and commercial landscapes.

Benefits of Growing the Purple Cabbage Tree

The purple cabbage tree is valued for more than its good looks. Its low water requirements mean it performs well even in drought-prone areas, while its robust root system provides excellent erosion control for banks and slopes. Because it is evergreen, the purple cabbage tree maintains its colour and structure throughout the year, requiring only occasional removal of older leaves for a tidy appearance. In spring, mature plants may also produce scented, creamy-white flower heads, adored by bees and birds alike.

Landscaping Ideas with the Purple Cabbage Tree

Whether used as a single focal point or mass planted along driveways and boundaries, the purple cabbage tree offers endless possibilities. Mix it with other native varieties such as Cordyline banksii (Forest Cabbage Tree) to contrast colours and textures for a layered, dynamic effect. For those who love purple hues, consider pairing it with Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple or Fagus sylvatica Riversii, both renowned for their deep purple foliage and stately growth.

Caring for Your Purple Cabbage Tree

Successfully cultivating a purple cabbage tree is simple, even if you’re new to gardening. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid waterlogged sites. While young plants benefit from regular watering in the first season, established trees are highly drought-tolerant. A light mulch and annual feed will help your purple cabbage tree maintain its energetic growth. Be patient—the distinctive purple hues will intensify as the tree matures.

If you’re looking to add a truly eye-catching plant to your New Zealand garden, the purple cabbage tree offers architectural flair, resilience, and rich, year-round colour. To find your own Cordyline australis Purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree), browse our range or visit us for expert advice tailored to your landscape.

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.
The spotlight often lands on Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) and Ficus benjamina 'Variegata', but Helichrysum petiolare (Trailing Dusty Miller), Orange 'Navelina', and Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry) deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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