Botanical name:

Aciphylla squarrosa

Common name(s):

Common Spaniard, Speargrass

About:

A native speargrass with striking blue-green spikes, this plant forms a dense cluster of razor-sharp foliage. From October to January, it produces scented yellow flowers, which are also protected by spiky bracts. Highly valued as an architectural landscaping plant, it thrives in various environments and is often used in home gardens as a natural deterrent for cats, dogs, and boundary protection. Exceptionally hardy, it can withstand temperatures as low as -28°C.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane.

Growing environment:

Frost, sun, drought, salt, wind & coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands, Mount Hikurangi south to the Kaikoura Ranges

Height: 1.2m

Flowering:

October – January with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November - March

Uses:

Pioneer Plantings 

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though