Cabbage tree
Cussonia spicata · Araliaceae
📷 Abu Shawka · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
Cabbage tree is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Cussonia spicata
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Form
- Tree
- Mature height
- 4 to 5 m
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- August to October
- Origin
- South Africa
- Hardiness
- Warm and temperate zones (light frosts tolerated)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Full sun, deep well-drained soil. Once established (year 2), it demands little: moderate watering in summer during dry spells, no fertilizer needed.
The common mistake
Too much watering or poorly drained soil: the tree weakens and autumn flowering becomes sparse or disappears.
The pro's trick
In borderline regions (0°C), give it a south/southeast exposure with winter mulch: this effectively buys you 5°C of real cold protection.
Seasonal watch
August/September: watch for the appearance of inflorescences.
Care
Light
Place your cabbage tree in full sun for vigorous growth and abundant fruiting. It tolerates partial shade but prefers direct light. A southwest-facing position offers the best conditions.
Watering
Keep watering regular during growth (spring-summer), letting the soil dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Avoid waterlogging, which promotes root rot.
Soil and planting
Prefer well-draining soil, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. Adding compost or potting soil improves structure. Good drainage is essential for the health of this tree's roots.
Pruning and structure
Light pruning is sufficient to maintain natural shape and open up the canopy. Remove dead or crossing branches at the end of winter. The plant develops naturally into an upright silhouette and doesn't require intensive pruning.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer to support growth. Moderate feeding is enough; overfeeding promotes excessive foliage at the expense of flowering. Space applications 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Pests and diseases
This tree is generally resistant to common pests. Watch for scale insects and spider mites indoors or in dry climates. Excess moisture can promote fungi; ensure good ventilation and avoid wetting the foliage.
Did you know?
The cabbage tree (Cussonia spicata) owes its English common name to the distinctive shape of its foliage, which resembles large cabbages. In South Africa, its soft wood was long used by local populations, and its yellow-green flower spikes attract pollinating insects and birds. It's an excellent indicator of African subtropical climate.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Algerian ivyHedera algeriensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.