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Cordyline banksii

forest cabbage tree

A single-stemmed, or sometimes multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to 3m, producing tufts of broadly lance-shaped, arching leaves to 1m long. Best suited to growing in a conservatory in all but the mildest and most sheltered gardens

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Under glass, grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with full light. Water moderately while in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in a warm, south-facing position with some overhead protection from larger trees; wrap the trunk with horticultural fleece if very cold weather is forecast. See cordyline cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed, stem cuttings or removing suckers in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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

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