Coastal Astelia

A beautiful foliage plant for mild gardens, Astelia banksii is a medium-sized, evergreen perennial with a symmetrical, clump-forming habit and arching, silvery, sword-like leaves. Sprays of insignificant greenish-white flowers may appear on female plants in summer, followed by purple-pink berries. Coastal astelia comes from mild areas of New Zealand, and the lovely foliage can suffer in frost and cold wind, so it may need winter protection. With its architectural quality, it is good in sheltered courtyard gardens.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Well-drained, neutral to acid soil, preferably moist and peaty
Position: Partial shade; tolerates full sun
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Frost-hardy (to -5ºC)
Height: 4’ (1.2m) Spread: 39” (1m)