Overview

Aciphylla colensoi is a plant with a rosette-forming perennial habit in the genus Aciphylla, part of the Apiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.9 metres tall. Aciphylla colensoi grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include rock gardens and alpine beds.

About

Aciphylla colensoi is a species of Aciphylla, commonly known as giant speargrass, Spaniard, or by its Māori-language name taramea. Individual plants may be up to 90 cm (35 in) in diameter and up to 1 metre (39 in) high when in flower, and consist of sharp spines, all pointing out from the centre.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aciphylla colensoi

About the genus

Aciphylla is a genus of about 40 species of herbaceous plants in the family Apiaceae, all but two of them endemic to New Zealand. They range from small cushion plants to tall flower spikes surrounded by rosettes of stiff, pointed leaves, the latter probably adaptations to prevent browsing by moa. Their common name is speargrass or Spaniard.

Wikipedia contributors, "Aciphylla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aciphylla

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aciphylla

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Dry

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Aciphylla colensoi size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Rosette-forming perennial

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.9 metres

Suggested uses

Rock gardens, alpine beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aciphylla colensoi

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

High

Disease resistance

High

Frequently asked questions