Botanical name:

Astelia banksii

Common name(s):

Shore Astelia, Wharawhara

About:

A native New Zealand flax-like plant known for its attractive narrow silver drooping leaves that gracefully clump together. The lovely berries of this plant turn a deep black in autumn when they reach maturity. While it is hardy, it remains tender to frost, so care should be taken during colder months. This plant serves as a beautiful, low maintenance addition to any garden, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.

Natural habitat:

Lowland coastal environments.

Growing environment:

Sand, Sun, Drought, Shade, Salt, Wetland, Wind, Coastal tolerant & Free draining.

Endemic distribution:

Confined to the North Island where it occurs in coastal situations south to about the Kawhia and Tauranga Harbours

Height: 2m

Flowering:

October – December with a green & white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

March – May with a black berries.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings & containers.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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