Botanical name:

Astelia grandis

Common name(s):

Bush Flax, Swamp astelia

About:

This impressive grand New Zealand bush flax can grow up to an astonishing height of 2m tall! With its very broad, flax-like leaves, this robust species of Astelia forms in large, eye-catching clumps that can enhance any garden. Female plants produce stunning, bright orange berries that add a vibrant pop of colour to the landscape. The stiff leaves are a lovely olive green shade, adorned with two striking white stripes running elegantly down each leaf. This plant is quite hardy, making it an excellent choice for landscaping projects or for inclusion in large home gardens.

Natural habitat:

An understory plant in lowland swamp forests or Kahikatea forests, but it is found mostly in the warmer areas of the South Island.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Astelia grandis is found naturally in wet swampy ground throughout the North Island to South Westland in the South Island.

Height: 2m

Flowering:

October – November with a green coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

December – February with orange berries.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, 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