Family: Agavaceae
Common Name: Cabbage Tree

This genus comprises about 15 species which are spread throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, with one species found in tropical America. They have stiff, palm-like leaves, sometimes variegated, and panicles of mostly white flowers, though they can be lilac, blue, yellow or a reddish colour. In frost-prone climates, they are grown as pot plants in a cool to warm conservatory or greenhouse, or as house plants. C. australis is often used in summer bedding schemes.

Species

C. australis, New Zealand cabbage palm, is the hardiest species and will thrive outdoors in zone 9. It is often used in summer bedding schemes in climates prone to regular hard frosts. In former times, the pith and inner root were dried and steamed, and made into a sweet porridge, and the leaves were woven into baskets by the Maoris. An attractive plant, particularly when young, it forms a rosette of leaves, up to 90 cm (36 in), and will grow to 3-4 m (10-13 ft) under appropriate conditions, branching into many heads. Sprays of creamy white flowers appear in summer, followed by blueish white berries. 'Veitchii' has bright crimson midribs and leaf bases.

C. stricta, Australian cabbage tree, grows to 3 m (10 ft) and has long sprays of white, blue or lilac flowers.

C. fruticosa (Synonym: C. terminalis), known as ti, from eastern Asia, grows up to 3 m (10 ft), with white, yellow or reddish flowers. However, it is mostly grown for its richly coloured foliage. Many named forms are available. It is a very popular pot plant and makes a good house plant.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of soil-based or soilless potting compost. Variegated or coloured-leaved plants are best in bright light though shaded from direct sun, but plain green plants need maximum light. Outdoors, plants need a rich, well-drained soil and a position in partial shade or full sun. Propagate from seed sown in spring under glass, or by detaching and potting rooted suckers in spring.

Climate

Zone 10.