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. 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.