Kirby

Cordyline red

Cordyline red australis

• 
  Bright light
• 
  Easy care
• 
  Flowering

• Kirby likes...
  • 
    A sunny spot

    He’ll be happy in anything from full sunshine to partial shade. The only place he won’t do well is full shade.

  • 
    Dry Soil

    He’s used to hot climates, so he copes well with drought. Try to water him if the top two inches of soil feel dry.

  • 
    Shelter

    He’s not too keen on strong wind, so try to put him somewhere that he won’t get blown about.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Cordyline Festival Burgundy

  Nickname

  Cabbage tree; Cabbage palm

  Plant type

  Outdoor evergreen

  Plant height (including pot)

  50-60cm

  Pet/Baby safe?

  Toxic to pets if eaten

  Nursery pot size

  17cm

• About Cordyline australis

  Despite the name, cordyline australis actually originates from New Zealand, where it’s confusingly known as the cabbage tree. While it’s generally sold as a shrub in the UK, it will ultimately turn into a tree with a tall straight trunk and clusters of long, pointed leaves. Wild trees can grow almost 20 metres tall, but they’d take around 50 years to reach that height.

  The popular name cabbage tree is thought to be due to the fact that its leaves used to be eaten and were said to have a cabbage-like flavour. We absolutely do not recommend eating it, whatever your feelings on cabbage. Instead, it should be enjoyed as a really easy, attractive garden plant.

  Available in either red or green, it looks handsome potted up on a patio or balcony, but you can also plant it directly in the ground. It likes a spot that gets at least a few hours of sun and prefers to be kept sheltered from cold winter winds. Beyond that, it’s very undemanding, just asking that you water it every now and again.

  Did you know?

  Maori used to use the strong cordyline fibres to make everything from fishing line to baskets to shoes.