Astelia banksii
Wharawhara, Bank's astelia
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a moderately well ordered clump of slender arching silver green leaves. It is a plant of some refinement and deserves space in which to express itself. The flowers scarcely notice but there are black fruits. This is not a plant for cold frosty places and may not survive the winter in frost prone areas if left outside. This plant can take dry conditions and even some shade but give it a warm and sheltered place. It stands around 1m (3ft) in height with an equivalent spread, and may achieve twice these dimensions in its homeland.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Rock garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter · Outdoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.