Cordyline pumilio

RHS Plant Profile
dwarf cabbage palm
Shrubs

A small evergreen shrub to 1m, forming a tuft of narrow, grass-like leaves. In summer it produces arching sprays of small, starry white or pale pink flowers. Unlike most other cordylines this species does not form a trunk

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Cordyline are palm-like evergreen shrubs or tree-like perennials, with rosettes or tufts of linear or anrrowly lance-shaped, leathery leaves, and terminal panicles of fragrant, cup-shaped flowers followed by small. spherical berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any soil in sun or partial shade; C. pumilo is tolerant of poor soils and exposed situations, and is drought tolerant once established

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Coastal
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to cordyline slime flux and honey fungus (rarely)