Astelia
I was stunned when visiting a remote beach in Northland to see giant Astelia plants weighing down the branches of large Pohutakawa trees. I guess this reinforced one of the main cultural requirements of Astelias; they will not tolerate continuous cold, wet damp conditions or being planted to deep. Good air circulation around the plants is very important to avoid crown rot which is usually irreversible once it occurs. If using mulch in the garden never put the mulch directly against the base of an Astelia clump for the same reason.
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The most commonly grown Astelia is A. chathamica which you guessed it, is from the Chatham Islands. The broad silvery sword-like leaves have a graceful arching habit and a mature clump is simply stunning, though a stronger statement will be made when planting in drifts or large groups. A. chathamica prefers morning sun only though I must admit I have seen many doing quite well in an open position. This species is often sold under the name Astelia chathamica Silver Spear. Another Astelia to consider is A. banksii. This form is more tolerant of the sun and grows quite hapily in coastal conditions. With a more compact habit is ideal as a container plant.
Also available is Astelia nervosa Westland which has a nice bronzy red tinge on the silver foliage. In summary, Astelias are handsome, relatively easy care plants that will add a unique touch to both modern and traditional planting schemes.
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4 LISTINGS
Do you want an easy care, tolerant plant that is architecturally interesting? If so then this is the plant for you. Narrow striking silver green leaves that arch attractively. Tolerant of drought and poor soils. Perfect for group planting, or if you prefer, will do very well in a container. Evergreen.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 1m x 1m
Astelia Banksii
Current Stock Height: 15/25cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$19.99
A stunning native that hails from the Chatham Islands. Strong broad swords of arching foliage coloured rich streaky bronze. Use in groups for a bold dramatic statement. Tolerant of sun or part shade but hates "wet feet". Looks good in a container. Hardy and evergreen.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 1.5m x 1m
Astelia Frosted Bronze
Current Stock Height: 20/30 cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$26.99
A stunning native cultivar that originates from the Chatham Islands. Strong broad swords of arching foliage toned a sensuous metallic silver. Use in groups for a bold dramatic statement. Tolerant of sun or part shade but hates "wet feet". Looks fabulous in a container. Hardy and evergreen.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 1.5m x 1.5m
Astelia C Silver Spear
Current Stock Height: 30/40cm ?
Container: 2.5l ?
$21.99
Native. A fabulous foliage plant ideal for group planting. Silvery, strap like foliage that is attractively flushed with red and bronze tones. The red colour intensifies in cold weather. Tolerant of sun or part shade but not tolerant of 'wet feet'. Evergreen.
Astelia look their best when group planted and they are a fabulous easy care architectural container plant.
Habit: Clump forming
Est. Hgt/Wdth in 7/10 yrs: 80cm x 80cm
Astelia Westland
Current Stock Height: 10/15cm ?
Container: 1.5l ?
$16.99
Astelia Westland
Current Stock Height: 30/35cm ?
Container: 3.3l ?
$21.99
Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: Open 7 days 8:30am-5pm