Cordyline / Cabbage Tree

This was the first Cabbage tree that I planted when the Jelly Bean Border was first being dug. It quickly grew into a forked shape. In the photograph below from the archives it had been in the ground for seven years.

seven year old cabbage tree

Cabbage trees can be kept tidy by peeling the old straps off their trunks, and I do this from time to time. However their old leaves are their protection against disease.

The Cordyline shares the space in the Jelly Bean Border with a Tulip Tree. It's hard to believe that eight years ago these trees were less than a metre tall.

Cabbage Tree top in 2004

These Cabbage Trees are true New Zealand gardening icons.