Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy'

Common name: Cabbage palm

Description: Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy' is a bold architectural evergreen with long, strap-like green leaves that radiate dramatically from an upright stem, developing a striking tree-like form with age. It lends an almost tropical character to gardens, courtyards, and large containers, and is particularly at home in coastal or urban settings where its tolerance of exposed, sheltered conditions is an asset. Mature plants produce tall, sweetly fragrant plumes of creamy-white flowers in early summer, which are an added spectacle above the foliage crown.

Other benefits: bold architectural form, tolerates coastal exposure, suitable for large containers, fragrant flowers on mature plants, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees and hoverflies are attracted to the flowers on mature plants

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2m x 1m

Position: full sun to partial shade; sheltered from harsh, cold winds; ideal for coastal and urban gardens

Soil pH: neutral to slightly alkaline; tolerates most well-drained soils

Moisture: moderate; drought tolerant once established; requires good drainage

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to approximately -8°C; suitable for most UK gardens