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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 3 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.

From $340.69

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.50 m
Spread: 3.00 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Alnus rubra (Red Alder) specimen tree.
Alnus rubra

Alnus rubra (Red Alder) is a strong growing deciduous tree valued for its upright form and ability to thrive in a wide range of New Zealand...

From$259.75
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...

From$30.29
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
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' plant with red flowers and dark green-purple coloured leaves.
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
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
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...

From$27.53
Callistemon 'Red Alert' shrub in a garden.
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...

From$27.53
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
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
A dense Escallonia 'Red Dream' shrub with lush green foliage.
Escallonia 'Red Dream'

Escallonia 'Red Dream' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This attractive variety...

From$16.95
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$39.95
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...

From$557.95
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
acer-rubrum-1
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...

From$349.95
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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...

From$9.28
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$37.19
tree-and-shrub-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$16.95
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
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
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
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$24.95
Cordyline australis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Alnus, and Carex, 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.

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.
Sure, Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) are crowd-pleasers, but Loropetalum 'Red Temple', Pittosporum 'Frankies Folly', and Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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