Cabbage Tree Peko

Cabbage Tree 'Peko' (Cordyline australis 'Peko') is the compact form of the New Zealand cabbage tree, and the one that actually fits a modern garden. It holds at about 2.5m tall and 1.5m wide, well short of the 6m the species reaches, with a full bushy head of narrow green leaves on a slim trunk. Frost, salt, wind and dry spells are all taken in its stride.

Why you'll love it

• Upright without the bulk. At 2.5m by 1.5m it gives vertical structure in a courtyard or narrow bed where a palm would overwhelm the space.
• Bushier than the species. 'Peko' branches into a dense multi headed crown rather than a single sparse tuft, so it looks furnished from day one.
• Built for exposure. Coastal salt, wind, drought and frost are all handled, so it suits a beach house or an open balcony.
• Scented flowers the birds find. Mature plants throw arching sprays of small cream flowers with a sweet perfume, followed by berries the birds work through.

Where it works best

Pots and courtyards. A pot 400mm or wider holds it comfortably for years, and container growing keeps it nearer 1.5m to 2m. This is the classic plant for a pair either side of an entry.

Coastal and exposed gardens. Salt laden wind that shreds softer foliage does not trouble it, so it works on beach house courtyards and high balconies.

Small gardens and features. Used singly it gives a bed a vertical accent, or repeat it every 1.5m through a border for rhythm without a solid screen.

Growing Cabbage Tree 'Peko' in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade, with the tightest head in full sun. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and being frost hardy it copes with cold southern and tableland winters. Hot humid tropical gardens are the one climate where it can struggle.

Soil. Free draining soil of any type. It is not fussy about fertility but will not sit in wet ground. On clay, mound the planting position and work coarse compost through. Mulch 75mm deep, clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Water twice a week through the first summer, then only in prolonged dry spells. Potted plants need watering year round. A controlled release fertiliser in early spring is enough for the year.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Pull off the spent lower leaves by hand as they brown to keep the trunk clean, and cut the flower spike out once it finishes if you prefer a tidier look.

What to expect when it arrives

It comes as tubestock, or in 175mm and 200mm packs of six. Tubes arrive as small single rosettes about a hand span high and take two to three years to develop a visible trunk. The 175mm and 200mm plants are further along and the practical choice for pots this season.

Strappy foliage travels well, though a few outer leaves may crease or brown in transit and can simply be pulled off. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete cordyline care guide
• Browse the full cordyline range
• Compare coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Plants that grow well in pots

Common questions

How is it different from a normal cabbage tree?

Size and density. The species can exceed 6m with a bare trunk and a sparse crown, while 'Peko' settles around 2.5m and branches into a much bushier multi headed shape.

Can I grow it in a pot permanently?

Yes, and it is one of the better plants for it. Use a pot at least 400mm wide with real drainage, refresh the top of the mix each spring, and expect it to hold around 1.5m to 2m rather than 2.5m.

Why are the lower leaves going brown?

Older leaves browning and hanging is normal ageing, not a problem, and they pull away cleanly by hand. Browning through the centre of the crown is different and usually points to wet soil or poor drainage.