Photo of Cussonia paniculata foliage by Waltzing Matilija

Photo by Waltzing Matilija

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Buy Cussonia paniculata

Also Known As

  • Highveld Cabbage Tree

Plant type

tree, shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 12'
  • W: 7'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

Big Fella 4”x 6” | $29.95

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Fewer than 20 at Waltzing Matilija

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Cussonia paniculata plant details

Cussonia paniculata is a broadleaf evergreen perennial shrub or tree. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cussonia paniculata

Plant type: perennial shrub or tree
Plant family: araliaceae
Mature size: 7 FT wide, 12 FT tall
Uses: distinctive bark, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cussonia paniculata

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Soil needs: well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Plucked fresh from the files of 'Weirdo Plants' is this Sth African Gem with the unfortunate common name of Cabbage Tree. It's a fine candidate for well drained soils and large containers and those pale blue leaves really pop against a bold colored wall or Corten Steel anything! Not a rocket ship in terms of growth but a solid performer all the same.
You can amaze your friends and neighbors with this, perhaps the coolest of oddities that we first saw high in the northern South African mountains. A small tree, to 10 ft tall or so and multi-trunked, topped with deeply cut, pale blue-green leaves. Easy in sun to part shade and well drained soil with at least occasional summer water. Evergreen in USDA zone 9. Otherwise, protect where temperatures spend time below freezing; perhaps placing pots in the garage for a bit of warmth.
A wonderful specimen plant that looks straight out of Dr. Seuss, but is really from South Africa, “Mountain Cabbage Tree” makes a small tree, 9-12’ tall, with a curvy, corky, sturdy trunk topped by superb looking blue-gray leaves that are large and palmate -divided and subdivided into segments like a snowflake. Often used in a large container, it’s evergreen and tres tropicalesque. If you keep it for eight years, it will start to make round, purple fruits loved by small birds. Requires good drainage.
Blue-green leaves emerge dark purple. With age a corky barked trunk develops. A nice pet that is content with container culture.

Gardening facts about Cussonia paniculata plant

How to Grow Cussonia paniculata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained

Features

  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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