Astelia banksii
coastal astelia
An evergreen, clump-forming perennial, to about 1.2m tall, with narrow, arching, sword-shaped, silvery leaves. Sprays of small, insignificant, green flowers may appear in summer followed, on female plants, by purple fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Grey Silver | Purple | |
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Astelia are clump-forming, rhizomatous evergreen perennials with arching, linear, keeled, silvery leaves and panicles of small, pale greenish or brown flowers, followed on female plants by orange or red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, peaty soil in a sheltered spot. Tolerates full sun but prefers partial shade. The foliage can be damaged by frost and cold wind so may need winter protection
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring; divisions can be slow to establish
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove or trim winter-damaged foliage in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to root rots
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