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How to Grow and Care for Cabbage tree

Cabbage tree, also known as Torbay palm, Tī kōuka, New Zealand cabbage tree, Cabbage palm, Palm lily

Cabbage tree predominantly requires a well-drained soil and ample sunlight to thrive. Special care points include regular watering to keep the soil mildly moist and protecting it from frost, as cabbage tree is sensitive to extreme cold. The ease of care for cabbage tree is generally considered easy, making it suitable for a variety of gardeners.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Cabbage tree

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Potting Mix, Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	9-11
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Cabbage tree

Cabbage tree 'Red Star'

A cultivar of Cabbage palm, cabbage tree 'Red Star' produces showy, sword-like leaves that are burgundy in color, accounting for its name. Remaining colorful year-round, this cultivar is often appreciated for adding a splash of red in the winter months. This cultivar grows to 3 meters wheras the parent plant grows up to 8 meters.

Cabbage tree 'Pink Star'

The cabbage tree 'Pink Star' (Cordyline australis 'Pink Star') is a colorful, slow-growing cultivar of cabbage tree (Cordyline australis). These plants are easily identified by their deep-red leaves edged by a pink margin. While they don't bloom often, more mature plants produce creamy/white flowers during the summer months. Cabbage tree 'Pink Star' makes a great accent piece in garden beds and containers.

Cabbage tree 'Torbay Dazzler'

Cabbage tree 'Torbay Dazzler' is a palm-like tree with long, sword-shaped leaves that appear dark green with bold creamy-white stripes. It is a cultivar of the cabbage tree. The British name ‘Torbay’ derives from the fact that it is very common around the Devon, England borough of the same name. This evergreen, drought-tolerant plant is ideal for rooftop, architectural, and coastal gardens.

Cabbage tree 'Pink Passion'

Cabbage tree 'Pink Passion' is a cabbage tree named for its attractive purple and pink leaves which are a marked contrast to the green leaves of the parent plant. This dwarf cultivar is a garden favorite, growing to just 1.2 m, where its parent can reach up to 20 m. This colorful plant grows best in sheltered conditions and is ideal for many parts of the garden.

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The Toxicity of Cabbage tree

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More General Info About Cabbage tree

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Cabbage tree is an evergreen tree that may grow as a single or multi-trunked specimen. Mature individuals can reach heights between 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters), though container-grown variants typically attain up to 15 feet (4.5 meters). Distinctive sword-like leaves adorn the branches, each leaf measures approximately 3 feet (91 cm) in length and 3 inches (7.6 cm) in width. In late spring, small, fragrant flowers emerge, contributing to its ornamental appeal. The trunks often develop a unique cane-like appearance over time.