Red Star™ False Dracaena - Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis 'Red Star' is an evergreen cabbage palm grown for its dramatic, dark bronze-red foliage. Its long, sword-shaped leaves form a strong architectural crown that works as a specimen in a border or a large patio container. ## Size and placement The [RHS profile for 'Red Star'](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/56359/cordyline-australis-red-star/details) gives a mature height of 2.5–4 m and spread of 1.5–2.5 m, with a 10–20 year time to maturity. It describes cream-striped foliage, fragrant creamy-white summer flowers, and full sun or partial shade. The RHS recommends moist but well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Allow room for the plant to develop its mature crown rather than treating a young plant's pot size as its landscape size. ## Landscape use Use its red-bronze leaves to bring lasting color and vertical structure to a warm-climate garden. The broad C. australis profile from [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cordyline-australis/common-name/cabbage-tree/) includes 'Red Star' among its cultivars and lists USDA zones 9a–11b. ## Maintenance Plant in free-draining soil and water regularly while establishing. Avoid leaving roots waterlogged, and site the plant where it is sheltered from exposure. Routine pruning is generally unnecessary; remove damaged leaves when needed.