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red cabbage tree nz

The striking red cabbage tree—often searched as "red cabbage tree NZ"—is a unique and eye-catching addition to many New Zealand gardens. Known for its distinctive, spiky foliage with reddish hues, this native beauty adds visual impact throughout the year. It's a fantastic choice for low-maintenance landscaping, offering bold colour and architectural structure to both modern and traditional garden designs. Whether you're crafting a statement planting, looking to attract native wildlife, or just after a hardy specimen that thrives in local conditions, the red cabbage tree stands out among New Zealand's diverse range of ornamental plants.

Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

5 from 2 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.

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
leucothoe-curly-red-2

Leucothoe 'Curly Red'

Leucothoe 'Curly Red' is a striking evergreen shrub grown for its uniquely twisted foliage that emerges rich red before maturing to glossy green. During cooler months the foliage develops deep burgundy tones, providing year round interest in New Zealand gardens. Its compact habit makes it ideal for borders, woodland gardens, and containers.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
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
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

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Malus 'Red Jade'

Malus 'Red Jade' is a graceful weeping crabapple tree admired for its cascading branches, masses of white spring blossom, colourful red ornamental...

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Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax admired for its bold, arching leaves in shades of bronze, red, and pink. This striking...

From$249.95
Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a vibrant evergreen shrub prized for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This hardy variety produces...

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Pseudowintera 'Red Leopard' red and green spotted foliage.
Pseudowintera 'Red Leopard'

Pseudowintera 'Red Leopard' is a NZ native shrub that features striking foliage. The leaves are gold-green with dominant, deep red leopard spots. It...

From$136.04
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Crimson Red’ is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

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Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

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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...

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Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$17.95
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Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

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Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

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Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

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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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Callistemon 'Red Alert'

Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid...

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Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

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Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia ‘Royal Red’ is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

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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...

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Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its outstanding autumn colour and graceful growth habit. The fresh green foliage...

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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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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...

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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...

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Camellia Roma Red

Camellia 'Roma Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers bold winter to spring colour in...

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Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' red stems.
Rhubarb 'Ruby Red'

Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' is a popular heritage rhubarb variety prized for its vibrant red stalks and excellent flavour. This productive perennial performs...

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Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.
Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering...

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A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is...

From$344.95
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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...

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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
A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

From$28.91
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

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Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Carex, and Cordyline, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search red cabbage tree nz

What is the Red Cabbage Tree NZ?

In New Zealand, the term "red cabbage tree" typically refers to select cultivars of Cordyline australis with attractive red or burgundy hues. These varieties are treasured for their upright form and vivid, wine-toned leaves, delivering year-round interest and resilience in windy, coastal, or exposed environments. The red cabbage tree copes well with drought and poor soils, making it perfect for low-water gardens and urban landscapes. Gardeners love its fast growth and ability to bring dramatic, vertical lines to mixed borders or as a striking specimen plant.

Planting and Care Tips for a Red Cabbage Tree in NZ

For the best results, plant your red cabbage tree in free-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. While tolerating some shade, full sun encourages deeper leaf colour. Water regularly while establishing and use mulch around the base to help retain moisture and control weeds. Once mature, these Cordylines require minimal care—occasional tidying of old leaves and a slow-release fertiliser each spring will keep them healthy and vibrant year after year.

If you love the look of the red cabbage tree, consider using it as a focal point in a contemporary garden, or mix it with native grasses and shrubs for a bold, textural display. For gardeners who appreciate a rich palette, combining the red cabbage tree with other red-accented plants such as Photinia Super Red (Red Robin) or ornamental grasses like Carex flagellifera Red creates a cohesive, eye-catching look.

Complementary Plants for Red-Themed Gardens

A red cabbage tree NZ works beautifully as the backbone for a red-themed garden. For layers of texture, pair it with Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red, a compact shrub with wavy, red-tinted leaves. To extend the red colour indoors, choose Hypoestes 'Splash Red', known for its boldly spotted foliage. For a statement in the tree canopy, the deep crimson blooms of Magnolia Red As Red (Red As Red Magnolia) make a stunning companion in larger landscapes.

Why Choose a Red Cabbage Tree NZ for Your Garden?

Landscapers and home gardeners across New Zealand value the red cabbage tree for its adaptability and style. Its vibrant foliage adds drama against green backdrops and its easy-care nature makes it ideal for both busy homeowners and beginner gardeners. Whether your space is large or small, urban or rural, a red cabbage tree NZ offers lasting appeal and a touch of the exotic—perfect for turning an ordinary garden into a year-round showcase.


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Sure, Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa are crowd-pleasers, but Hemerocallis 'Kents Favourite', Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy', and Carex comans Bronze are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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