Bigger and bolder than the average cabbage tree, Cordyline ‘Purple Tower’ is a magnificent accent plant. Use it as contrast among plants with less dramatic foliage or as a focal point among colourful flowers. It’s a favourite for containers, and the great thing about a cabbage tree in a pot is that you can move it around to change the mood in the garden. A pair of Cordyline ‘Purple Tower’ in matching pots is an eye-catching feature at the start of a path or beside an entranceway.

Cordylines in pots are pretty easy to look after as they are reasonably drought tolerant. In garden borders, use ‘Purple Tower’ with deep red and plum shades, either foliage or flowers, for great impact. Its deep purple colouring is also great with silver foliage, such as lambs’ ears, Stachys byzantina, and with silvery and blue-grey succulents. Also with yellow flowers and foliage - imagine it rising out of a group of ‘Sunjay’ marguerite daisies, the grassy yellow leaves of Acorus ‘Ogon’ or a carpet of the little yellow leaves of Sedum ‘Acapulco Gold’.

An occasional spray with an insecticide in summer will prevent holes appearing in the foliage of cabbage trees such as ‘Purple Tower’. Organic sprays such as Betabug are safe, effective, and easy to use.