Red Sensation cabbage tree is a fast growing woody plant native to New Zealand that can be grown as a palm-like shrub or a small tree. Its narrow, swordlike upper leaves remain erect while the lower leaves in the tip cluster droop. Panicles of fragrant white flowers appear in late spring, followed by small white or blue fruits.'Red Sensation' is grown for its dulled purple-burgundy leaves and is often used for height and texture in annual container plantings. Cordyline grows best in deep, well-drained soil in full sun, and will tolerate alkaline soils and drier seaside locales. Reduce watering in winter months. Stems may be cut off and buds allowed to resprout, giving numerous possibilities for rejuvenating leafheads at different heights. As a full grown tree it can reach an appreciable size, but it is often grown as a shrub in a garden setting, or even as a houseplant.
