Astelia chathamica
With large silvery sword like foliage Astelia chathamica is the best known of this group of plants from New Zealand. Reaching over 1m in height Astelia chathamica is grown for the foliage and is a useful plant for a shaded position in the garden where the silvery blue - green foliage is a highlight.
The main requirements are free draining soil, some good sun and temperatures that do not drop below 5C (41F), this means container growing in colder areas. However it is a plant that grwos well in containers and can make a good archetectural plant on an enclosed patio during winter.
A few cultivars are becoming avialble including Astelia chathamica 'Silver Shadow' a compact grower with more silver in the foliage than the species.
Care
Astelia chathamica (Silver Spear) is a popular cultivar that prefers part shade and a moist frost free position.
This is another of those plants that resents being moved and does not like to have its roots disturbed, so plant and leave alone.
You could grow them in a container in the right position if required.
Propagation by removing the offsets is the easiest way as seed does not seem to set.
Astelia chathamica is available for sale from the following nurseries
PRIME PERENNIALS NURSERY - phone: 01974 241505
Llety Moel Rhos-y-garth, Llanilar, Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 4SG
Specialist mail-order nursery. Unusual perennials, bulbs and grasses. Special emphasis on the conservation & promotion of South African Tulbaghia from our NCCPG National Collection®.
BALI-HAI MAIL ORDER NURSERY - phone: 00442828885289
42, Largy Road city: Carnlough, Ballymena Co.Antrim BT44 0EZ
Hosta specialist with over 1100+ varieties for sale. 100 Agapanthus varieties, 25 Phormium varieties, 80 Crocosmia varieties, 42 Rhodohypoxis varieties, plus Trilliums and many more cottage garden perennials shipping worldwide.
You may also be interested in
You can buy Aster flowers or plants online from the following suppliers
Southwick Road North Boarhunt Near Wickham Hants PO17 6JH
Phone : 01329 832294 : : 07000 M-O-U-N-T-F :: 07000 F-U-C-H-S-I-A
Young plants specialists. Growing Fuchsias, Geraniums, Patio Plants and Plug Plants. One of the best selections available in the UK direct from the grower!
www.mountfolly.co.uk
CLAIRE AUSTIN HARDY PLANTS Hardy Plants
Tel: 01939 251173 - FAX: 01939 251637
Edgebolton, Shawbury, Shropshire, SY4 4EL
Mail order specialists of herbaceous perennials : Bearded irises, herbaceous & tree peonies. The catalogue and website list over 700 different varieties.
www.claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk
