Overview
Cordyline australis is a tufted tree in the genus Cordyline, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 15 m tall. Cordyline australis grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural, coastal, patio and container plants, sub-tropical, bedding and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to New Zealand North and New Zealand South.
About
Cordyline australis, commonly known as the cabbage tree, or by its Māori name of tī or tī kōuka, is a widely branched monocot tree endemic to New Zealand.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cordyline australis
About the genus
Cordyline is a genus of about 24 species of woody monocotyledonous flowering plants in family Asparagaceae, subfamily Lomandroideae. The subfamily has previously been treated as a separate family Laxmanniaceae, or Lomandraceae. Other authors have placed the genus in the Agavaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cordyline", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cordyline
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cordyline
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cordyline australis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 15 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Bedding, Conservatory and greenhouse
- Native to
- New Zealand North, New Zealand South
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cordyline australis
- Propagation
- Seed, Stem cuttings, Removing suckers in spring
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Cordyline slime flux, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cordyline australis?
Cordyline australis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cordyline australis need?
Cordyline australis grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Cordyline australis grow?
Cordyline australis reaches a height of 15 m.
Is Cordyline australis hardy in the UK?
Cordyline australis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cordyline australis?
Seed, Stem cuttings, Removing suckers in spring.
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