Cabbage Tree
Cordyline indivisafam. Asparagaceae
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Pl. 7DE9 — Cordyline indivisa
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IOverview
Overview
Cabbage Tree (Cordyline indivisa) is a tall, evergreen tree native to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Known for its edible parts—fruit, leaves, roots, shoots, and stems—it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist soil, preferring light or sandy conditions. Hardy from zones 7-10, this tree can grow up to 8 meters tall. Its distinctive feature is the rosette of large, waxy green leaves that form a striking crown at the top of its trunk, making it an ornamental addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Cabbage Tree?
Cabbage Tree (Cordyline indivisa) is a tall, evergreen tree native to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Known for its edible parts—fruit, leaves, roots, shoots, and stems—it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist soil, preferring light or sandy conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cabbage Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows best in hardiness zones 7-10 and can reach a height of 8 meters. Propagate through shoots or roots for new plants. Harvest edible parts including fruit, leaves, root, and stem.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
8.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cabbage Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a cabbage tree to gain experience in growing Cordyline indivisa, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A cabbage tree sapling or seeds, potting soil, and a container if planting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the risk of frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy) and medium textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the ground if possible, or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial shade to avoid sunburn. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 6-8 weeks with a balanced plant food.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain the tree's health and appearance. Harvest young shoots for culinary use if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, neglecting regular pruning, using heavy fertilizers, and not providing adequate drainage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesRootShootsStem
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Weaving materialFiber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:New Zealand South, New Zealand North
introduced:Juan Fernández Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asparagaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asparagaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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