Astelia chathamica
Chatham Islands Astelia, Silver Spear, Kakaha, Bush Lily, Bush Flax
Size
ex 2L pots
Availability: Sold Out
£13.99
Quick Overview
  • Beautiful strongly-keeled silvery leaves
  • Arching foliage giving a sense of 'instant design'
  • Architectural form
  • Orange berries
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Astelia chathamica is endemic to the cold, rugged, windswept Chatham Islands off the SE Coast of mainland New Zealand at latitude 44° South where it grows in swampy peat bogs. It is a large impressive Astelia with an architectural appearance and distinctive silvery arching foliage that is covered with a silky indumentum of white hairs. On mature specimens the pale yellowish-green star-shaped flowers are followed by berries that are at first greenish-yellow and maroon surrounded by remnant purple tepals before they ripen to a bright orange colour.

Astelia chathamica is a robust-growing plant but usually needs extra winter protection in most locations in the UK. The simple expediency of a heavy-guage fleece covering is usually enough. In mild winters or in favoured southern locations this is often not necessary.

It likes a rich moist yet well-drained acidic soil. best achieved with a humus-rich and sandy mix with the addition of peat and well-rotted manure. Mulch with leaf mold or bark.

Mass plantings of Astelia chathamica are very effective in larger landscaping plans in milder locations or within the microclimate of the London urban heat island.


Additional Information

Order Asparagales
Family Asteliaceae
Synonyms Astelia nervosa var. chathanica, Astelia chathamica 'Silver Spear', Astelia 'Silver Spear'
Geographical Origin Chatham Islands off the SE Coast of New Zealand
Cultivation Moist humus-rich, acidic and fertile soil in sun or semi-shade
Eventual Height 1m
Eventual Spread 60 cm
Hardiness Tries to be fully hardy but doesn't always succeed. Can take temperatures down to about -7 or -8 C for short periods. Protection suggested during sustained cold periods
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  1. Great addition
    The plant arrived in great condition and makes a great addition to my New Zealand plant collection
    Recommended

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Astelia chathamica
Chatham Islands Astelia, Silver Spear, Kakaha, Bush Lily, Bush Flax
Size
ex 2L pots
£13.99
You could receive 20 Palm Points for writing a review for this product.
Add to My Wishlist Add to Compare Email to a Friend
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