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Herbaceous Perennial

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'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H3
Botanical 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 moist, but reasonably well-drained, fertile 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

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