5x Astelia Silver Spear - $12.99 each

Astelia chathamica ‘Silver Spear’
Common Names: Silver Spear, Chatham Island astelia
Family: Asteliaceae
Origin: Chatham Islands, New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen, clump-forming perennial

Overview:
Bold, architectural NZ native forming dense fans of broad, silver-grey, sword-like leaves. Adds strong year-round structure and light to borders, coastal plantings, and modern landscapes.

Key Features:
Foliage: Broad, metallic silver leaves with a clean, glossy sheen; striking in sun or bright shade
Flowers / Fruit: Discreet spring flowers; on female plants, orange berries may follow and attract birds
Form & Habit: Clump-forming, fountain-like rosettes with arching, strappy leaves
Growth Rate: Moderate
Cultural & Ecological Value: Coastal/wind tolerant; berries provide seasonal wildlife value

Mature Size:
Attribute Size
Height 1–1.5 m
Spread 1–1.5 m
Form Clump-forming, architectural

Ideal Growing Conditions:
Requirement Detail
Light Full sun to partial shade (bright light enhances silver)
Water Moderate; drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
Soil Free-draining; tolerates sandy/coastal soils
pH Range Neutral to slightly acidic
Frost Tolerance Tolerates light frost; protect from severe inland frosts

Landscaping & Garden Uses:
Focal point in architectural or contemporary plantings
Coastal/native gardens and mass plantings
Brightens mixed borders and courtyard beds
Suitable for large containers

Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Remove old/tatty leaves at base to tidy
Watering: Regular while establishing; then occasional deep watering in dry spells
Feeding: Light slow-release fertiliser in spring
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free; ensure drainage to prevent rot

Additional Tips:
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds; provide shelter from hot, reflected heat in very exposed inland sites.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:
Endemic to the Chatham Islands, this astelia is prized for its luminous silver foliage that “lifts” shaded or muted planting palettes.

Why Choose Astelia ‘Silver Spear’?
A dramatic, low-maintenance statement plant combining beauty, resilience, and coastal toughness—ideal for adding form and light all year.

Pot Size:
Standard 5–7 cm square pots (nursery form may vary slightly by batch).