Cordyline australis purpurea (Purple Cabbage Tree) is an evergreen ornamental native to New Zealand. Purple Cabbage Tree is a cold hardy monocot that sports striking red-purple foliage and small creamy white flowers in spring. They are popular in commercial sites, landscaped gardens and in coastal or exposed areas. Unlike the green variety, this species grows to a relatively short height of 4 metres (15 feet).
In Britain, Purple Cabbage Trees are grown as far north as Scotland as a substitute for palm trees. But they can also be grown in dry, hot, and tropical regions. They are very popular as an indoor or houseplant.
Cordyline australis purpurea is suitable for low-maintenance gardens and tolerate a temperature range of between -5 to 40°C / 23 to 104°F. From the bottom of Tasmania to Darwin in the tropics.
Growth
Cordyline australis purpurea is a slow-growing evergreen that reaches heights of up to 5 metres (15 feet). They germinate easily and grow quickly for the first six months (if started in spring). Purple Cabbage Trees are drought and frost tolerant making them a popular ornamental in every corner of the world. Their large single stem trunks are strong and easily withstand winds, snow, and excessive heat.
In late summer white and sometimes bluish berries cover the tree and attract birds in large numbers.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asparagaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate (Indoors), Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5 to 40°C / 23 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil but prefers a well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 4 metres (12 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees, Insects.
MATURITY:
5-7 years
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-12 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 90 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CORDYLINE AUSTRALIS (Purple Cabbage Tree)
The name Cordyline comes from a similar word in Greek that references to the large tap root or rhizomes, australis comes from Latin and meant ‘southern’.
Cordyline australis can recover from fire due to its large underground rhizome or tap root. After a fire is over it will start to regenerate!
Cordyline australis is one of New Zealand’s most highly cultivated plants. It is very popular overseas in cooler, oceanic regions due to its similarity to Palm trees … but without the low tolerance for these climates.
The leaves contain a strong fibre and are used in New Zealand to make paper, twine, cloth, and baskets.
