Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Silver spear, Astelia chathamica, is a clump-forming perennial grown for its dramatic silver foliage. The leaves are spear-shaped, similar to those of phormiums, and are complemented by long stalks of pale green flowers in summer, followed by orange berries in autumn. It makes a good architectural plant and is ideal for growing in a mixed herbaceous border or as a focal point in its own right. Grow alongside purple-leaved plants such as Phormium 'Bronze Baby'.

For best results grow Astelia chathamica in a sheltered spot in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Being half-hardy, its leaves may be damaged by frost, and it may need winter protection in northern regions.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes
Collect seedsyesyes

Astelia and wildlife

Astelia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Astelia poisonous?

Astelia has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Astelia chathamica
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