Astelia chathamica
silver spear
An evergreen perennial to 1.2m tall, forming a large clump of silvery, sword-shaped leaves, with panicles of small greenish flowers followed, on female plants, by orange berries
Synonyms
Astelia chathamica 'Silver Sword'Astelia chathamica 'Silver Spear'
see moreAstelia 'Silverspear'
Astelia 'Chatamica Silver'
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | Orange | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered 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
Grown in moist, but reasonably well-drained, fertile, peaty soil in full sun or partial shade and sheltered spot. The foliage can be damaged by frost and prevailing cold winds. It may need winter protection
Propagation
If necessary, divide in spring. Propagate by seed, sow seeds in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
Pruning
Remove or trim winter damaged foliage in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.