Cordyline Banksii 'Electric Pink'

Electric Pink Cabbage Tree / Forest Cabbage Tree / Cabbage Palm / Design Edge

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

Overview

Cordyline banksii ‘Electric Pink’ is a compact, clump-forming statement plant for South Australian gardens. Long, upright leaves flaunt hot pink margins with a rich burgundy/chocolate centre year-round, with sweetly scented creamy-white flower panicles in summer that draw pollinators. Performs in coastal and Mediterranean climates, in the ground or bold containers.

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, pink-edged leaves with burgundy/chocolate centre; neat, architectural habit
• Flowers: Summer panicles; fragrant; followed by decorative berries on mature plants
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round foliage colour; peak summer display with blooms
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich summer flowers attract bees and other 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 (bright light keeps colour strongest; give light afternoon protection in hottest inland spots)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates improved clay loam/raised beds if drainage is excellent (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; optionally trim off spent flower stems to focus energy on foliage; 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 at 1–1.5 m centres for cohesive colour and low maintenance
• Excellent in large pots; pair with lomandra, phormium and gravel for striking contrast

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and eye-catching year-round. ‘Electric Pink’ delivers vivid pink foliage with minimal fuss, thrives in SA’s coastal and Mediterranean conditions once established, and brings fragrant summer blooms that support pollinators — a high-impact choice for pots and borders.