Red Sensation™ False Dracaena - Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis 'Red Sensation' is an evergreen, upright cabbage palm with long, sword-shaped leaves in deep burgundy to bronze tones. It develops a trunk with age and carries its foliage in a crown, giving it an architectural profile for a sunny border or a large container. ## Size and placement Published mature-size estimates differ by region: [Plantmark](https://www.plantmark.com.au/cordyline-australis-red-sensation) gives 2–4 m tall and 0.6–1 m wide, while the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/182467/cordyline-australis-red-sensation/details) lists a broader 4–8 m height and 2.5–4 m spread. Allow room for a tree-like plant and treat these as regional estimates rather than a guaranteed final size. Both sources describe sun to partial shade; RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, or sand, and Plantmark recommends well-drained loam. ## Landscape use Use the burgundy foliage as a year-round focal point, vertical accent, or contrast against lighter walls and green planting. Young plants can be grown in a substantial container; plan for a larger site as the trunk and crown develop. ## Maintenance Choose a free-draining position and water new plantings during establishment. Once established, avoid persistently wet soil. The [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cordyline-australis/common-name/cabbage-tree/) lists USDA zones 9a–11b for the species and notes that mature plants are rarely pruned; remove damaged foliage as needed and allow space for the crown.