About
Astelia chathamica is a hardy evergreen perennial that reaches heights of up to 1.2 meters. It develops a substantial clump of narrow, silvery leaves resembling swords. Female specimens produce clusters of small greenish flowers, which are subsequently followed by orange berries.
About the genus
Astelia consists of evergreen perennials that grow in clumps and have rhizomatous roots. They feature arching, linear leaves with a keeled shape and a silvery hue. The plants produce panicles of small flowers that are either pale greenish or brown, and female specimens will bear orange or red berries afterward.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
- 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
- Pruning
- Remove or trim winter damaged foliage in spring
- Propagation
- If necessary, divide in spring. Propagate by seed, sow seeds in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free