Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Trees
Indigenous | Easy Care | Tree
The cabbage tree is one of the most sculptural indigenous trees you can plant. It has a thick, sturdy trunk, sometimes wonderfully gnarled and twisted, topped with large round heads of deeply divided, palmate leaves that fan out like giant green hands. It is a talking point in any garden, and its bold, almost tropical silhouette works beautifully as a standalone feature or accent plant.
It occurs widely across the wetter parts of southern Africa, from the southern Cape northward, and the coastal forms are more frost-tender than the inland mountain forms. It handles wind and exposed positions reasonably well once established, and it copes with sandy soil given some compost and moisture.
Up to 15 m in ideal conditions, but typically 5 to 8 m in a garden setting.
Moderate to fast, especially with regular water and good soil.
Feature tree, accent plant, specimen in a lawn, large container when young.
Full sun to light shade. Best in sun for a compact, well-shaped tree.
Well-drained soil enriched with compost. It is not fussy about soil type but does not enjoy waterlogged conditions.
Water regularly while young, especially through summer. Once established, it is fairly drought-hardy, but it looks best with moderate watering.
Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser while young to encourage growth.
Minimal. Remove dead leaves and flower heads for a tidy appearance. Do not cut the main trunk or growing tip.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of trees and large shrubs. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right tree for your spot.
