Blue Spaniard

Botanical name: Aciphylla glaucescens

Common name(s): Blue Spaniard, Spaniard

Plant facts:

A large, dramatic speargrass with arching blue-grey foliage and towering flower stems. This species forms impressive tussocks in moist alpine and subalpine habitats and is recognised by its softer, flaccid leaves compared to many other rigid speargrasses.

Natural habitat:

Found beside streams, wet hollows, shaded banks, tussock grasslands, and scrub from coastal to low alpine habitats.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind, Moisture & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to New Zealand, occurring from Mount Hikurangi in the North Island south to Dunsdale in the South Island.

Height:

Foliage up to 1.5 m tall, flowering stems reaching 2 m tall

Flowering:

November – January

Fruiting:

December – February (occasionally extending into June)

Uses:

• Architectural landscape feature
• Wet alpine and tussock restoration planting
• Specimen plant for large native gardens
• Habitat plant for alpine ecosystems

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A large tufted herb forming substantial clumps either as solitary plants or grouped tussocks.

Leaves:
Leaves are blue-grey to glaucous green, long, flexible, and deeply divided into narrow pointed segments. The foliage has a softer appearance than many other Aciphylla species.

Flower stems:
Tall ribbed flowering stems emerge from the centre of the plant and carry dense clusters of flowers and bracts. Female flower stems are usually denser and more concealed by bracts than male plants.

Fruit:
Produces winged dry fruits adapted for wind dispersal in exposed environments.

How to grow:

Best grown in full sun or light shade with moist but well-drained soil. Performs well in cool climates and alpine-style gardens. Appreciates reliable moisture while still requiring good drainage.