Cordyline Australis 'Red Star'

Cabbage Tree / Cabbage Palm

Botanical Name: Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub/small tree

Overview

Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ is a standout for structure and colour in South Australian gardens. It forms a tidy clump of deep burgundy-red, strap-like foliage year-round, with sweetly fragrant creamy-white flower panicles in summer that add seasonal interest. Suits ground beds or large containers in coastal and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2.5–4 m H × 1.5–2.5 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-45 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen, deep bronze-red/burgundy leaves; neat, architectural habit
• Flowers: Summer panicles; fragrant; followed by decorative berries on mature plants
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round structure; peak display in summer with blooms
• Wildlife Value: Nectar attracts bees; berries can interest birds
• 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 rhythm
• Pet Friendly: No — contains saponins; harmful if chewed by cats/dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best colour with good light)
• 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 and 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 and entry framing (not for clipped privacy hedges)
• Mass plant for cohesive, low-maintenance structure and rich colour contrast
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; suitable for large pots

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and striking year-round. ‘Red Star’ delivers bold colour and upright form with minimal care, handles heat, wind and coastal conditions once established, looks superb in pots or borders, and its summer flowers support pollinators — a proven performer for SA gardens and landscapes.