Cordyline australis Red Sensation (Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline australis ‘Red Sensation’ (Cabbage Tree) is a palm-like, sub-tropical tree with arching, sword-like, bronze leaves to 28 in. long (70 cm) at the branch tips. Adding drama year-round with its bold color and tropical look, this beautiful cordyline introduces substance to the garden. It produces impressive panicles, 40 in. long (1 m), of small, sweetly scented creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, on mature plants.

Cordyline australis 'Red Sensation' (Cabbage Tree) is a palm-like, sub-tropical tree with arching, sword-like, bronze leaves to 28 in. long (70 cm) at the branch tips. Adding drama year-round with its bold color and tropical look, this beautiful cordyline introduces substance to the garden. It produces impressive panicles, 40 in. long (1 m), of small, sweetly scented creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, on mature plants. Often seen as a specimen gracing a terrace or deck, it is also well-suited to both traditional and contemporary planting schemes.

  • Adds architectural height to the garden and grows with an upright habit up to 10-20 ft. tall (3-6 m) and 5-10 ft. wide (150-300 cm). Will branch to produce several heads over time.
  • Easily grown in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Provide occasional to regular irrigation in hot summer climates. Needs a sheltered site. Salt and drought tolerant. Though frost hardy, young Cordyline australis plants are more prone to cold damage. Tie the leaves loosely into a bunch to protect the vulnerable tip.
  • Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for cordyline slime flux. Deer resistant
  • Propagate by seed, stem cuttings or removing suckers in spring.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Cordyline australis is endemic to New Zealand.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 10
– 11

Climate Zones 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Cordyline
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 10'
– 20'
(3m
– 6m)
Spread 5'
– 10'
(150cm
– 3m)
Spacing 60″
– 120″
(150cm
– 300cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden