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astelia silver spear nz

Astelia 'Silver Spear', known to gardeners in New Zealand as Kakaha, is a striking foliage plant recognised for its dazzling silvery leaves and architectural form. Favoured for both contemporary and native gardens, the astelia silver spear nz combines resilience with beauty, thriving in a range of conditions from shaded borders to sunny coastal gardens. If you're searching for a plant that delivers year-round texture and a touch of silvery glamour, Astelia 'Silver Spear' stands out as a top choice. Whether planted en masse or as a specimen feature, this NZ-native adds immediate impact to landscaping projects.

Astelia 'Silver Spear'

Astelia 'Silver Spear', commonly known as Kakaha) features striking silver foliage that is held in a gentle arch. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site. Astelia 'Silver Spear' is great for providing a striking display with its stout nature and bold colouring. It makes a great contrast with other darker-coloured foliage plants and is favoured by landscape designers who often include it in mixed plantings.

Astelia Silver Spear plant with beautiful silver foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Flaxes
  • Height:
    1.50 m
  • Spread:
    1.50 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Parks, Ponds, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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Astelia 'Silver Spear'

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What Makes Astelia 'Silver Spear' Special?

Astelia 'Silver Spear' is prized for its robust silver-grey foliage, which forms elegant clumps and creates an eye-catching, sculptural effect in gardens throughout New Zealand. It tolerates wind, salt, and moderate frost, making it ideal for coastal properties or exposed sites. The leaves also bring a subtle shine in winter months, keeping your garden lively even through the cooler seasons. With Kakaha being relatively low-care, it requires only occasional tidy-ups and benefits from well-drained soil.

Ideal Garden Uses

The astelia silver spear nz is exceptionally versatile. Use it to anchor mixed borders, add drama to native gardens, or create contrast alongside darker plants. Its architectural foliage pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, flaxes, and other NZ natives. Plant Astelia 'Silver Spear' as a statement specimen in containers, or combine several as a low-maintenance groundcover for textural interest.

Looking for complementary plants? Consider mixing with Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia), whose broad silver-green leaves harmonise well in large garden spaces, or Phormium 'Wildwood' (Wildwood Flax) for added upright form. For a bronze touch, Astelia 'Frosted Bronze' is another stunning option.

Plant Care and Tips

Kakaha flourishes best in filtered light or partial shade but adapts to full sun in milder climates. Choose a spot with good drainage and mulch to retain moisture, especially during dry spells. In windy gardens, its tough foliage stands up well, making it a favourite for coastal locations across NZ. Fertilise once per year and remove spent leaves to keep clumps tidy. While Astelia 'Silver Spear' is hardy, it appreciates shelter from severe frost.

Love the look of astelias? Explore other striking varieties like Astelia banksii (Wharawhara), Astelia 'Silver Shadow', and Astelia 'Rebel' for different foliage colours and shapes. Pair with NZ natives such as Dianella 'Sea Spray' for a softer texture, or experiment with flaxes like Phormium 'Chocomint' and Phormium 'Yellow Wave' for extra colour.

Why Choose Astelia Silver Spear NZ?

For contemporary Kiwi gardens, astelia silver spear nz is a reliable choice that delivers bold texture and silvery tones year-round. Its tolerance to coastal and urban conditions, combined with minimal maintenance, makes it a go-to species for landscape designers and home gardeners alike. Enhance your garden with this enduring NZ native and experience the beauty and versatility of Astelia 'Silver Spear'.


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