Cordyline australis ‘Peko’

This cultivar of cabbage palm brings year-round interest with its distinctive variegated leaves striped in cream and soft green. The narrow, sword-like foliage creates strong vertical emphasis, making it a natural choice for contemporary planting schemes and mixed borders where structure matters.

‘Peko’ is a more compact selection than the species, typically reaching 2 to 3 metres in height over many years. It prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil; in the UK, it thrives in milder regions and coastal areas where frost is less severe. Growth is steady rather than vigorous, rewarding patience with architectural presence.

In colder zones, grow it in a container you can move under cover during hard frosts. Established plants need little intervention beyond removing any dead or damaged leaves at the base. The variegation holds best in good light, so position it where it catches morning or afternoon sun.