Astelia fragrans

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming evergreen herbaceous perennial, to around 1m (39in) high and across, bearing mid-green strap-shaped leaves which are bright, metallic silver on their undersides. These arch upwards and outwards from the base of the plant and can be up to 1.2m (4ft) long and 8cm (3½in) across. Green, fragrant flowers appear in panicles in the centre of the plant in spring, followed by clusters of orange berries on female plants around 1cm (½in) in diameter in summer. The plant is dioecious - producing either male or female plants, meaning both male and female plants are required for the female to produce berries. An architectural plant, its dramatic foliage providing a useful focal-point in courtyard and urban gardens.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

A half-hardy perennial which may need protection against hard frosts and temperatures below -10°C. It is happy in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, in partial shade.

Propagation

Propagate by division spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove or trim winter-damaged foliage in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free