Cordyline Banksii 'Electric Star'

Electric Star Cabbage Tree

Botanical Name: Cordyline banksii ‘Electric Star’
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

Cordyline banksii ‘Electric Star’ is a compact, clump-forming accent for South Australian gardens. Upright, strap-like leaves show dark purple-brown centres with bright green margins and warm orange midribs year-round, and mature clumps produce sweetly scented, creamy-white flower panicles in late spring–summer. Performs in coastal and Mediterranean climates and looks superb in large pots or mass plantings.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5-2.5 m H x 1-1.5 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-45 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Variegated; dark purple-brown centres, bright green margins, orange midribs; tidy, architectural habit
• Flowers: Late spring–summer panicles; fragrant; creamy-white; followed by decorative berries on mature plants
  
• Seasonal Interest: Reliable year-round structure; peak display in late spring–summer with blooms
• Wildlife Value: Summer flowers provide nectar that attracts pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Shrub borders: 1 plant per metre (dense) or 1 per 1.5 m for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: No — toxic to pets (saponins); avoid where pets chew plants

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best colour with good light)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; also tolerates chalky/loamy/sandy soils; use raised beds/improved drainage for heavier clays (avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; remove old lower leaves; lightly tidy after flowering; fertilise in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline (adaptable; best near neutral with free-draining soil)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Architectural feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces (not for clipped privacy hedges)
• Mass plant for cohesive ground-level structure and low maintenance
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; suitable for large pots where noted

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and eye-catching year-round. ‘Electric Star’ delivers bold, variegated colour with minimal fuss, thrives in SA’s coastal and Mediterranean conditions once established, and brings fragrant summer blooms that add seasonal interest and support pollinators — a proven performer for pots and borders.