Astelia banksii

RHS Plant Profile
coastal astelia

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coastal astelia RHS
Herbaceous Perennial
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 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