Astelia

Astelia Plants – Best In New Zealand!

Adding NZ-native plants such as Astelia to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Fabulous colour is introduced to a planting.
• They provide a habitat and shelter for native fauna.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

The genus Astelia boasts 70 species that are native to New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the tropical islands of the Pacific. They offer a unique blend of texture and colour which makes them standout in any garden. From the dwarf species like Astelia chathamensis, reaching only 30cm tall, to Astelia grandis which stretches over two metres, there's an Astelia to suit every garden size and design.

Astelia are favoured for this architectural appeal which comprises rosettes of long and slender leaves. The foliage is often adorned with contrasting stripes, variegations, or even a metallic sheen. Astelia banksii, for example, has red-bronze leaves with a cream margins contrast, while Astelia ‘Silver Streak’ has striking silver stripes running down its green foliage.

Astelia can thrive in a wide range of diverse conditions. They can tolerate partial shade to full sun, though some species, like Astelia fragrans, prefer the coolness of shade. Well-draining soil is essential as they are susceptible to root rot during either prolonged wet or through over-watering. However, once they are established, most Astelia are relatively low-maintenance and require only occasional watering and once-a-year fertiliser application.

Landscape designers use Astelia plants to provide textural contrast and year-round interest. When grown in containers, they bring a touch of the tropics to patios and balconies. The architectural form of larger species like Astelia grandis or Astelia chathamica makes them stunning standalone specimens, while smaller varieties of Astelia fit well into in rock gardens to add vibrant pops of colour.

The Plant Company has fantastic Astelia plants ready for their new home, including Astelia chathamica and Astelia nervosa. These amazing plants have been grown from eco-sourced seed, multiplied in our nursery, and absolutely thrive in NZ’s climate. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Astelia plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Astelia Plant Questions

1. What is Astelia?

Astelia is a genus of flowering plants in the recently named family Asteliaceae. They are rhizomatous tufted perennials native to various islands in the Pacific, Indian, and South Atlantic Oceans. A significant number of the known species are endemic to New Zealand.

They are known for their tough and adaptable nature, and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought, wind, and poor soil. They come in a variety of sizes, from small groundcovers to large shrubs, and have long, narrow leaves that are often arranged in a fan-like formation. Astelias can be grown in a variety of conditions, but they prefer moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

2. Can Astelias grow in shade?

Astelias can grow in shade, and many species prefer partial shade to full sun. This makes them a good choice for planting in shady areas of the garden, such as under trees and shrubs.

3. How do you grow Astelia?

To grow Astelia, follow these steps:

1. Choose a planting site that is well-drained in either full sun or partial shade. They can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but they will generally fail in poorly drained soil.
2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and place the plant in the hole. Backfill with soil, firm the plant in, and water well.
3. Astelias need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water once a week, or more often during hot weather.
4. Astelias do not need a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a light feed with a balanced fertiliser once a month during the growing season.
5. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Remove dead or dying leaves regularly to keep the plant looking its best.

Astelias are relatively low-maintenance plants and can thrive for many years with proper care.

4. What can I plant with Astelia?

Astelias are versatile plants that can be planted with a variety of other plants. Here are some ideas:

• Astelias look great when planted with other silver-leaved plants, such as cineraria, lamb's ear, and dusty miller.
• Ornamental grasses, such as feather grass and blue oat grass, can be used to add height and texture to plantings.
• Astelias can be planted with succulents, such as sedum and echeveria.
• Astelias can be planted with a variety of flowers, such as salvias, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans. This adds colour and interest to plantings.

5. Can you divide Astelia?

Yes, you can divide Astelia, and it is a good way to create new plants for your garden. The best time to divide Astelia is during winter.

To divide Astelia:

1. Dig up the entire plant, being careful not to damage the roots.
2. Gently shake the roots to remove any excess soil.
3. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into two or more sections. Be sure to keep each section with a good root system.
4. Replant the divisions immediately into well-drained soil.
5. Water the plants well.

The new plants will need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. They should start to produce new growth within a few weeks.

6. Is Astelia an evergreen?

Astelia are evergreen plants. They are a NZ native and are naturally found in forests, coastal areas, and alpine regions. They are known for their tough and adaptable nature, and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought, wind, and poor soil.

7. Is Astelia a grass?

No, Astelia is not a grass. It is a member of the Asteliaceae family, which is related to the lily family. Grasses are members of the Poaceae family. Nonetheless, Astelias and grasses have some similarities. They both have long, narrow leaves and they can both be grown in a variety of conditions. However, there are also some key differences between the two groups of plants. Namely, grasses have jointed stems, while Astelias do not. Grasses have flowers that are arranged in spikes or panicles, while Astelias have flowers that are arranged in clusters.

8. Does Astelia Silver Shadow flower?

Astelia Silver Shadow does flower. However, the flowers are often hidden in the foliage. The flowers are yellow-green and are followed by orange berries in the summer.

Astelia Silver Shadow is grown primarily for its ornamental foliage, which is silvery-grey, and has a dramatic arching habit. The plant can reach heights of up to 1 m tall.

9. Are Astelia berries edible?

The berries of some Astelia species are edible. The berries of Astelia grandis, in particular, are sweet and juicy, and can be eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies. However, it is important to note that not all Astelia species have edible berries. Some Astelia berries are poisonous and can cause stomach upset or vomiting. If you are unsure whether or not an Astelia berry is edible, it is best to err on the side of caution and not eat it

10. Is Astelia a flax?

Astelia is not a flax. Flax is a member of the Linaceae family, while Astelia is a member of the Asteliaceae family. The two families are not closely related. Nonetheless, they do have similar growth habits and appearances which is why this question is often asked.

11. What is the common name for Astelia Chathamica?

Astelia chathamica has several common names; Chatham Islands kakaha, Maori flax, and Silver spear.