Livistona australis - Evergreen Trees Direct

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm

$150.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm/33cm

30cm/33cm 70L 100L 150L

Current Stock Height Guides

70 L: 0.9m – 1m Approx.
100 L: 1m – 1.2m Approx.
150 L: 1.2m – 1.8m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m to 25m (approx.) (trunk height, slow-growing)

Mature Width: 2m to 4m

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm

Livistona australis carries a crown of large glossy fan-shaped fronds on a tall slender ringed trunk, giving vertical structure without taking up ground space. The Cabbage Tree Palm is the hardiest large native palm available and works in far cooler districts than most palms tolerate.

Livistona australis reaches 15 to 25 metres of trunk height over many decades with a crown spread of just 2 to 4 metres, growing at 30 to 60 centimetres per year. That narrow footprint makes it viable in courtyards, along building lines, in street plantings and in tight civic spaces.

This Australian native tolerates light to moderate frost once established, which sets it apart from most feature palms, and grows in full sun to part shade. It handles coastal exposure and, once its roots are down, extended dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Livistona australis

How tall does Livistona australis grow?

The Cabbage Tree Palm reaches 15 to 25 metres of trunk height over many decades, with a crown spread of only 2 to 4 metres. Growth to that height is slow.

Is Livistona australis frost tolerant?

Yes, it handles light to moderate frost once established, which makes it one of the few large feature palms suited to cooler southern districts.

How fast does the Cabbage Tree Palm grow?

It grows at a moderate 30 to 60 centimetres per year. Young plants establish a crown first and only begin forming visible trunk after several years.

Is Livistona australis an Australian native?

Yes. It is native to the east coast of Australia from Queensland through New South Wales into eastern Victoria, occurring naturally in gullies and coastal forest.

Where does it work best in a garden?

Its narrow crown suits courtyards, entries, building lines and pool surrounds where vertical structure is wanted without a spreading canopy. It also works well in groups of three or five.

Does it need full sun?

It grows in full sun to part shade. Young plants appreciate some shade during establishment, after which they take full sun without difficulty.

How far apart should I plant Livistona australis?

Plant 3 to 4 metres apart for a grove or avenue effect. As a single feature allow 4 metres of clear space around the eventual crown.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Street Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm Evergreen or Deciduous?

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m to 25m (approx.) (trunk height, slow-growing)

Mature Width: 2m to 4m

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm

Is Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm frost tolerant?

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm Flower?

Livistona australis produces long, pendulous sprays of creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. These airy, lightly scented inflorescences emerge beneath the canopy and create a soft seasonal display that contrasts beautifully with the bold, fan-shaped fronds.

Does Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Clustered
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Cream

Is Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm is Native to Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria, where it grows naturally along rivers, swamps, and moist forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm ?

Its flowers attract bees, beetles and a variety of small pollinating insects, while the canopy provides excellent roosting and shelter for small birds. The fruit that follows is eaten by birds and native wildlife, making it an important food source in coastal and subtropical ecosystems.

How much Sunlight does Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm need?

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Livistona australis performs best in well-drained loam or sandy soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It tolerates poorer coastal soils but may struggle in heavy clay or very wet ground unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the palm matures to support strong root health, robust frond development and long-term resilience.

Is Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm Drought Tolerant?

Is Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm Drought tolerant?

As a young palm it requires regular watering, but once established Livistona australis develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs well in warm, coastal and dry conditions, though it benefits from deep, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain lush fronds and steady growth.

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How To Plant Your Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm / Fan Palm in Different Soil

Livistona australis performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.