Astelia Silver Spear

Astelia chathamica Silver Spear

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, fertile, peaty soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: April to May
• Hardiness: half hardy
  
  A superb architectural plant that adds drama and definition to a border. It has pointed, spear-shaped leaves that look as though they have been dusted with silver. In mid to late spring long stalks of pale yellowish green flowers may be produced from female plants, followed by orange berries in the summer. It looks particularly good among grasses, purple-leaved plants, or other plants with silver foliage. In cold winters in exposed areas it may need some protection as it is not fully hardy.
  
  
• Garden care: Provide protection during cold winters and divide plants, if necessary, in April to May.