Cordyline Banksii 'Electric Flash'
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Forest Cabbage Tree / Cabbage Plam / Electric Flash Cordyline
Botanical Name: Cordyline banksii ‘Electric Flash’
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
Cordyline banksii ‘Electric Flash’ is a compact, clump-forming accent for South Australian gardens. Long, upright, strap-like leaves show a reddish-brown/chocolate central stripe with creamy-yellow margins year-round, and sweetly scented white–cream flower panicles in summer that attract pollinators. Thrives 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 leaves with a chocolate to reddish-brown mid-stripe and creamy-yellow margins; tidy, architectural habit
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Flowers: Summer panicles; fragrant; creamy-white; followed by decorative berries on mature plants
- Seasonal Interest: Reliable year-round structure; peak display in summer with blooms
- Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich summer flowers attract bees and other pollinators
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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
- Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates improved clay loam/raised beds (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; light 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
- Mass plant at 1–1.5 m centres for cohesive, low-maintenance colour and structure
- Excellent in large pots; pairs well with lomandra, phormium and gravel for contrast
Why You Will Love It
Fast, reliable and striking year-round. ‘Electric Flash’ delivers high-impact, variegated colour with minimal fuss, shrugs off heat, wind and coastal conditions once established, and brings pollinator-friendly summer fragrance — a proven performer for SA gardens.