About

Astelia 'Silver Shadow' PBR is a robust, clump-forming evergreen perennial characterized by its elongated, silver-hued, spear-like foliage. In mid to late spring, it produces tall flower stalks adorned with pale yellowish-green blooms, which are succeeded by orange berries on female specimens during the summer months.

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, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming, Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

10-20 years

Suggested uses

Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal

Care notes

Cultivation

Prefers a moist, but reasonably well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold winds. Provide protection during cold winters

Pruning

Remove or trim winter damaged foliage in the spring

Propagation

If necessary, divide in spring. Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free