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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.

Leptospermum 'Electric Red' plant with red flowers.

Leptospermum 'Electric Red'

Leptospermum 'Electric Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vivid red flowers that create a bold and eye catching display in spring. The fine foliage and dense growth provide year round structure in New Zealand gardens. This hardy plant performs well in a wide range of conditions. Leptospermum 'Electric Red' is ideal for hedging, screening, and feature planting.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
photinia-super-red--1

Photinia 'Super Red' (Red Robin)

5 from 3 customers

Photinia 'Super Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant red new growth that contrasts beautifully with mature green foliage. This hardy plant provides year round colour and structure in NZ gardens. Ideal for hedging, screening, and feature planting, it offers a bold look and reliable performance across a wide range of garden styles.

From $18.95

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

From$11.50
malus-red-jade-1
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...

From$387.55
leptospermum-red-damask--1
Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and fine dense foliage. Flowering through spring...

From$27.53
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...

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...

From$16.95
Hypoestes 'Splash Red' plant with colourful red folaige.
Hypoestes 'Splash Red'

Hypoestes 'Splash Red' is a vibrant foliage plant prized for its bright green leaves boldly splashed with deep red markings. This compact and...

From$26.15
leucothoe-curly-red-2
Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red

Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red, commonly known as Dog Hobble, is a beautiful shrub which is grown of its colourful and curly foliage. New foliage is...

From$26.15
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...

From$30.29
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...

From$349.95
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$11.95
leptospermum-red-falls--3
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...

From$27.53
hebe-red-edge-
Hebe 'Red Edge'

Hebe 'Red Edge' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its distinctive foliage with red tinged edges that intensify in cooler weather, adding year...

From$20.63
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$323.65
acer-red-sunset-2
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...

From$399.95
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
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...

From$18.95
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...

From$27.53
Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
Imperata Red Baron

Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through...

From$20.63
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$13.40
camellia-roma-red-
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...

From$34.95
sorbus-scarlet-king-
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
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
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
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
rhododendron-red-mountain-
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
magnolia-deryk-2
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
grevillea-red-clusters-4
Grevillea 'Red Clusters'

Grevillea 'Red Clusters' is a vibrant evergreen shrub that produces masses of rich red flower clusters throughout the year. Its fine foliage and...

From$28.91
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
persicaria-microcephala-red-dragon--2
Persicaria 'Red Dragon'

Persicaria 'Red Dragon' is a striking ornamental perennial admired for its dramatic burgundy foliage marked with silver and purple tones. This eye...

From$24.77
Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
pelargonium-two-in-one-dark-red-
Pelargonium Two in One Dark Red (Red Pelargonium)

Pelargonium Two In One Dark Red is a variety of Geranium grown for its clusters of dark red flowers. The showy flowers are borne through spring and...

From$22.01
Leptospermum 'Electric Red'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Escallonia, and Hypoestes, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Indoor Plants.

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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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.
Sure, Lomandra Lime Tuff and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' are crowd-pleasers, but Acer saccharinum, Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green', and Gardenia 'Frostproof' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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