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Astelia banksii

Shore Astelia, Wharawhara

Plant photo of: Astelia banksii
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Information by: San Marcos Growers        Photographer: cactusjungle; burncoose.c

 

Description

Evergreen perennial from the lowland and coastal forests of the North Island of New Zealand that grows to 3 to 4 feet tall. The silvery/pale-green foliage of this species is narrow and slightly recurved. As with other Astelia, the male and female flowers are on separate plants (Dioecious), neither are showy and are usually down in the foliage. Plant in full coastal sun to light shade in a well draining soil. Although this plant can take extended periods without irrigation, it looks better if given occasional water. Hardy to 20-25° F - our large specimen plant in the garden was unharmed during the January 2007 freeze with 3 nights in a row at 25° F. A great plant for a container, a specimen or for a mass planting in the garden. There are 25 species of Astelia, 13 endemic to New Zealand - this coastal species in found on the North Island from the North Cape to Taranaki and Hawke's Bay. The name of the genus comes from combining the Greek words 'a' meaning "without" and 'stele' meaning a "trunk" or "pillar" in reference to these plants not forming a stem or trunk. The specific epithet authored by British botanist Allan Cunningham in 1837 honors British naturalist and botanist Sir Joseph Banks. The fruit of this plant is called Wharawhara in New Zealand and the town of Kaiwharawhara, a seaside suburb of Wellingoton (also known as Kaiwarra), takes its name from the abundance of this plant there. The Astelia have long been considered part of the Liliaceae family but most recent treatment puts them in the Asteliaceae family in the Asparagales order with the relatively unknown genera Collospermum, Milligania and Neoastelia.

 

Plant Type

Perennial

Height Range

3-6'

Width Range

Flower Color

Green

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Light Green, Silver

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Black, Purple

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low, Medium

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Rich, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Japanese, Meadow, Seascape, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.

Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.