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Herbaceous Perennial

Astelia banksii

coastal astelia

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

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

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)

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

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