I have always had a soft spot for cabbage trees. They are everywhere, and somehow that makes them easy to overlook. But stand under one when it is flowering, bees going crazy, tui fighting over berries. You will get it. They are special and also ridiculously tough. Good thing because I have forgotten to water things before. These do not care.
If you are thinking about adding a cabbage tree to your place, The Plant Company has healthy ones grown locally. I was looking through their range of trees the other week. You will find different sizes depending on budget and patience. Smaller ones are cheaper, obviously, but if you want immediate impact instead of waiting years, go bigger. Everything can be grown in New Zealand, so it is already used to our climate. They ship nationwide, too, which is handy.
So, What Actually Is This Tree
It is called locally as Cordyline australis. Cabbage tree comes from early settlers cooking young leaves, like, well, cabbage.
They can get massive. You can surely call twenty metres tall massive. There is one in Golden Bay, which is supposedly four or five hundred years old. Think about that.
Where to Plant It
Honestly? Almost anywhere. That is the thing. Not picky.
- Full sun? Fine.
- Partial shade? Also, fine.
- Wet soil? They love it, actually, great for swampy spots
- Dry as a bone? They will cope
- Coastal winds? No problem
- Frost? Established trees handle it
They are basically the plant equivalent of that easy-going friend.
Planting Without Stress
Dig a hole. Twice the pot size roughly. Mix compost if you want, but not essential.
- Gently loosen circling roots
- Position at a similar depth as in the pot
- Backfill, firm gently, water well
- Mulch around the base, but keep off the stem
In the first year, give regular water while they settle. After that? Self-sufficient.
Looking After Them
- Water young trees through dry spells
- Mulch annually with compost or sheep pellets
- Feed the spring with native fertiliser if you want faster growth
- Remove dead leaves at the base if they bug you
- That is basically it
Seriously. Low maintenance does not even cover it.
Do They Flower
Yes, spring to early summer. Big dramatic flower spikes, tiny white scented blooms. Bees go nuts. Tui goes nuts. The whole tree comes alive.
Then berries follow. Birds love those, too.
Any Problems
Cabbage tree moth is a thing. Native insect, caterpillars eat little notches in leaves. Does not harm the tree, though. Part of the ecosystem.
Sudden death? Could be root rot from terrible drainage. Or herbicide damage. Or maybe just old age.
Different Types
Standard green C australis is the classic.
But there is:
- Broadsword – compact, wider leaves, good for smaller gardens
- Purpurea – purple-tinged foliage, stunning
- Mountain cabbage tree – broader blue-green leaves, colder areas
Why Bother Honestly
They are just ours. You know they are iconic. Part of the landscape. Shelter for birds, food for bees, that silhouette against the sky.
Plus, zero fuss. Plant it, forget it, enjoy it for decades.