Astelia plants
Astelia, commonly known as silver spear plants or bush flax, are clump-forming evergreen perennials with wide, arching, sword-shaped leaves. These architectural beauties resemble a miniature and denser version of the ever-popular phormium grasses with an attractive metallic sheen to the foliage. They produce panicles of green, yellowish, or purple-brown flowers from June to August, followed by red or orange berries on female plants. Native to New Zealand, astelia have a bushy growth habit, typically reaching around 1.2 metres tall. They make an excellent architectural feature plant, perfect for adding interest, drama and definition to mixed or herbaceous borders. Astelia will succeed in sun or shade, preferring a moist yet well drained peaty loam. Grow them in a sheltered spot, protect from the harshest winter frosts and lift and divide congested clumps in spring. Water around the base of astelia, rather than on top of them, where possible.