Highveld Cabbage Tree Plant Care

Highveld Cabbage Tree (Cussonia sphaerocephala) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Cussonia genus.

Highveld Cabbage Tree displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Highveld Cabbage Tree produces small clusters of white or cream flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Highveld Cabbage Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Highveld Cabbage Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cussonia sphaerocephala tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Highveld Cabbage Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Highveld Cabbage Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Highveld Cabbage Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Highveld Cabbage Tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Highveld Cabbage Tree can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Highveld Cabbage Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Highveld Cabbage Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Highveld Cabbage Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree cabbage tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Highveld Cabbage Tree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Highveld Cabbage Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Highveld Cabbage Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.