Although somewhat limited in where it can be placed,
Cordyline australis
is a striking ornamental and sculptural accent to the garden. It's also a great addition to the salad bowl.
C. australis
, known variously as cabbage tree, palm lily or grass palm, is an evergreen plant related to yuccas. The species is green and hardy to 15 degrees (Zone 8). It produces large spheres of swordlike leaves on a narrow upright plant. Although in its native New Zealand the species can grow to 20 or 30 feet, here in the Willamette Valley it will be smaller, if only because occasional hard winters will knock it back or even take it to the ground.
CULTURE
In the Willamette Valley, you'll have to place C. australis carefully to keep it safe, especially since we are overdue for a harsh winter.
The species should be planted on a west or south side where it will be sheltered from the cold east wind.
C. australis
must have very good drainage and full sun or nearly so. Though drought tolerant once established, it thrives in our abundant Northwest rain.
A balanced organic fertilizer applied to the plant's drip line every four weeks from late spring until early August will suffice. Later applications will likely produce tender growth unable to harden off before fall freezes come.
Propagate by cutting away a couple of the rooted side shoots at the plant's base. The roots are tough, tight and tangled. Wash away some of the soil to make root trimming and shoot removal easier. Then pot the rooted shoots in new potting soil and place in a sunny window or other warm, bright place. Water regularly.
C. australis
makes a good container plant. Red and burgundy cultivars in pots should be brought into the house or greenhouse for shelter over winter, or placed against the house or garage and insulated and draped with plastic.
At least one nurserywoman I know recommends using clay pots rather than plastic for growing
C. australis
. She says the only problem she has ever had with the plant is root rot caused by roots sitting in pots that stayed wet. She likes clay pots because they transpire water. Wooden containers would work well, too. Of course, clay pots are at risk for breakage over winter, so protect as needed.
LANDSCAPE USE
Though possessing a fascinating, yuccalike look, its plain green leaves make the species
C. australis
less interesting than some of its cultivars that range from variegated, such as 'Albertii,' to shades of burgundy and red such as 'Red Sensation' and 'Atropurpurea.' Plant
C. australis
with
Hebe
, including
Hebe albicans
, a spreading, 10-inch tall evergreen with gray-green leaves and white flowers.
Carex
'Frosted Curls' is an evergreen grass with frosty white leaves. A skirt or background planting of it with
C. australis
, red or green, is a beautiful combination.
HARVEST
Harvest only from established plants. Pulling leaves with a quick jerk will usually dislodge them. A half-dozen leaves about 6 to 8 inches long and coarsely cut into bite-size pieces is enough to add to a salad. After removing leaves, shoots can be sliced into 1-inch or shorter lengths or into thin discs to be eaten in salad or soup.
A good time to harvest is in late spring when there is lots of new growth, and when you'll want to reduce the size of the plant.
KITCHEN USE
Make your salads and soups more interesting with the addition of the crisp shoots and the most tender leaves of
C. australis
. The flavor is vegetal and slightly bitter. The leaves have a texture like a substantial lettuce.
-- Vern Nelson
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