25x Cabbage Tree - $4.99 each

Cordyline australis

Common names: Cabbage Tree, Ti Kouka

Family: Asphodelaceae

Origin: New Zealand

Plant Type: Evergreen Tree / Architectural Feature

Overview

Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree / Ti Kouka) is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natives, prized for its bold, architectural form and incredible toughness. With its tall trunk, fountain of narrow strap-like leaves, and high tolerance for wind, salt, frost, and drought, it is widely used in modern landscapes, coastal gardens, lifestyle blocks, and large-scale native plantings.

Key Features

Foliage: Long, narrow, mid-green leaves forming a dramatic fountain-shaped canopy; foliage movement adds texture and height to plantings.
Flowers / Fruit: Large cream-white scented flower panicles in early–mid summer, highly attractive to bees and birds; followed by bluish-white berries loved by tūī, korimako and other wildlife.
Form & Habit: Single or multi-trunked tree with a clean architectural silhouette; develops high branches with age.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
Cultural & Ecological Value: A keystone NZ species important for birds and insects; ideal for habitat restoration, riparian projects, and low-maintenance sustainable landscapes.

Mature Size

Attribute	Size
Height	10–20 m (occasionally taller)
Spread	3–5 m
Form	Upright, branching tree with sculptural canopy

Ideal Growing Conditions

Requirement	Detail
Light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil	Free-draining soils; tolerates clay, sand, coastal, and poor soils
pH Range	Acid to neutral
Frost Tolerance	Very hardy; withstands heavy frost and exposed conditions

Landscaping & Garden Uses

• Outstanding feature tree for modern or native gardens

• Coastal and windswept sites

• Farm/lifestyle block avenues, driveways, and shelter projects

• Habitat and restoration plantings

• Adds strong vertical contrast in mixed borders or architectural landscapes

Care & Maintenance

Pruning: Generally not required; remove old leaves or flower stalks if desired.
Watering: Water during establishment; minimal watering once mature.
Feeding: Light annual feed in spring if growth is slow.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free; occasional leaf spotting in very wet conditions.

Additional Tips

• Excellent resilience to high winds and exposed coastal environments.

• Works well alongside flaxes, grasses, hebes, pittosporums, and other hardy natives.

• Provides year-round structure and height in low-maintenance gardens.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight

Ti Kouka was traditionally valued by Māori for its strong fibre, edible shoots, and medicinal applications. It is also one of the earliest NZ natives to naturally regenerate in pasture, signalling healthy soil and moisture conditions.

Why Choose Cordyline australis?

A signature NZ native combining bold form, wildlife value, and exceptional toughness—perfect for creating height, movement, and a sense of place in any landscape.

Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.