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
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.