£25.00
Cordyline australis is a bold evergreen with palm‑like form, elegant sword leaves, and long-lasting architectural impact. Hardy, drought‑tolerant, and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for coastal and temperate gardens looking for a tropical flair.
Cordyline australis is a striking evergreen tree native to New Zealand, growing up to 20 m tall with a stout, straight trunk and branching crown of sword-shaped leaves each measuring 40–90 cm long and around 3–7 cm wide. Initially slender and unbranched, the trunk divides into multiple arms after flowering, each ending in dense tufts of foliage.
In late spring to summer, mature plants produce large panicles (up to 100 cm long) of creamy-white, fragrant flowers, attracting bees and other pollinators. These are followed by round white or blue‑white berries in autumn that are favoured by birds.
Endemic to New Zealand—and known locally as tī or tī kōuka—this species thrives in diverse habitats, from coastal areas to damp forest edges. Historically, Māori used its edible young shoots and sugar-rich rhizomes (kāuru) and crafted nutritious fiber for weaving and textiles. It has since become popular as an ornamental in maritime climates worldwide, often called Torbay or Cornish palm in the UK.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot.
Soil: Adapts to a range of soils—sand, clay, loam—as long as it’s well-drained.
Moisture: Established plants tolerate drought, but avoid waterlogging.
Hardiness: Hardy to around −5 °C (RHS H3), making it suitable for most UK gardens and similar climates.
Cordyline australis is prized for its dramatic vertical presence and structural impact:
Creates a tropical or architectural focal point in gardens
Suitable for coastal and exposed sites due to wind and salt tolerance
Great planted in groups, used as windbreaks, or grown in large pots for patios or terraces.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 4–8 m in gardens; up to 20 m in native range |
| Spread | Typically 2.5–4 m wide |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast, branching begins after first flowering (6–10 years) |
| Leaves | Evergreen, long sword-shaped, drooping with age |
| Flowers & Fruit | Creamy-white fragrant flowers; white/blue berries |
| Care & Maintenance | Low-maintenance; remove old leaves if desired, avoid excess moisture |
Propagation is easy via seed, suckers, or stem cuttings in spring. Remove older yellowing leaves near the base to clear the trunk if you want a cleaner appearance. Keep the root zone cool with ground cover to prevent root stress. Although generally pest-resistant, watch for scale insects, spider mites, or rare slime flux when stressed.
Cordyline australis is a bold evergreen with palm‑like form, elegant sword leaves, and long-lasting architectural impact. Hardy, drought‑tolerant, and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for coastal and temperate gardens looking for a tropical flair.
| Size | 1 Litre, 2 Litre, 3 Litre, 5 Litre |
|---|
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