Common name: Cabbage Palm

Description: Cordyline australis 'Charlie Boy' is a bold architectural evergreen featuring long, strap-like green leaves that radiate from a single upright stem. As it matures, it develops a striking tree-like form that adds a dramatic, almost tropical character to gardens and patio displays. Hardy enough for most UK gardens, it is particularly at home in coastal and urban settings. In early summer, mature plants may produce tall plumes of sweetly fragrant creamy-white flowers.

Other benefits: bold architectural form, tolerates coastal exposure, fragrant flowers on mature plants

Wildlife attraction: bees and insects visit the flowers

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

Position: full sun to partial shade; sheltered from harsh cold winds

Soil pH: neutral to slightly alkaline

Moisture: well-drained; drought tolerant once established

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -8°C