Cordyline Australis
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.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
