Purple Cabbage Tree

Botanical name: Cordyline australis ‘Purpurea’
Synonyms: Cordyline australis purpureum, Cordyline australis purpurea
Common name(s): Purple Cabbage Tree, Purple-leaved Cabbage Tree, Purple Tī Kōuka

About:
The Purple Cabbage Tree is a striking cultivated form of the New Zealand cabbage tree selected for its rich bronze to deep purple foliage. It retains the architectural form and toughness of the species while providing dramatic year-round colour in gardens and landscapes. Smaller and more compact than the typical green form, it is particularly well suited to modern gardens and smaller spaces.

Natural habitat:
This cultivar does not occur naturally in the wild. It originates from cultivated selections of the New Zealand cabbage tree, which naturally inhabits forest margins, wetlands, riverbanks, coastal areas and open lowland habitats.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun and well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range of conditions including heavy soils, seasonal wetness, wind, coastal exposure and moderate drought once established.

Endemic distribution:
Derived from the New Zealand endemic species Cordyline australis. Widely cultivated throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Height:
3–6 m

Width:
2–3 m

Flowering:
November–January

Fruiting:
February–May

Uses:
• Feature tree for modern gardens
• Architectural planting
• Coastal gardens
• Container and courtyard planting
• Avenue and street planting
• Bird-friendly gardens
• Screening and accent planting

Appearance:
Growth habit:
An evergreen, palm-like tree that begins as a dense rosette of foliage and gradually develops a stout trunk with age. Mature specimens may branch to produce several heads of foliage.

Leaves:
Leaves are long, narrow and sword-shaped, reaching up to 1 m in length. Foliage colour ranges from bronze-purple to deep reddish-purple and may intensify during cooler weather or in full sun.

Flowers:
Large sprays of fragrant creamy-white flowers are produced during late spring and early summer, attracting bees and other pollinating insects.

Fruit:
Small white berries ripen during late summer and autumn and are eagerly eaten by kererū and other native birds.

Ecology:
The flowers provide nectar for native insects while the fruit provides an important seasonal food source for native birds. Although cultivated, it continues to support urban biodiversity in much the same way as the wild form.

Associated habitats:
Commonly planted in urban gardens, parks, streetscapes, coastal plantings and lifestyle properties.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun for the best foliage colour. It grows in most soil types provided drainage is reasonable and benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods while establishing.

Propagation:
Usually propagated from seed selections, stem cuttings or tissue culture to maintain foliage colour characteristics.

Cultural use:
The parent species, tī kōuka, holds significant cultural importance to Māori as a traditional food, fibre and medicinal plant. Purple forms continue this connection while adding ornamental value.

Garden value:
One of the finest coloured foliage trees available for New Zealand gardens. Its bold purple leaves, architectural form and exceptional toughness make it an outstanding specimen for contemporary landscapes and smaller gardens.