Astelia Species, Silver Spear

An evergreen, clump-forming perennial from New Zealand, with straplike, silver-gray, arching leaves, to 4' high and 6' wide. Excellent fo...Read Morecal point for a container or perennial border. Astelias are becoming increasingly popular in west coast gardens.

The small, cream-colored flowers are less significant ornamentally than the clusters of orange berries on 20" stems.

Astelias require excellent drainage. This species tolerates drought but looks best with occasional to regular watering in California's dry summers. Prefers rich, acidic soils high in organic matter.

Needs light/partial shade.

From its provenance, I suspect that this may not perform well in the hot humid summers of the southeastern US.

AKA Astelia nervosa chathamica.