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astelia species

Astelia species are a stunning group of evergreen plants that bring bold architectural flair to New Zealand gardens. Widely appreciated for their spectacular silver-green foliage and resilience, different Astelia species thrive in diverse conditions, from native forests to windswept alpine regions. These plants suit gardeners seeking dramatic texture, low-maintenance greenery, and a distinctly Kiwi character for their landscapes.

Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.

Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green leaves, reddish young stems, and masses of small pinkish-red flowers in spring, followed by dark berries that attract birds.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 7.50 m
Spread: 3.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle'

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are held neatly above the variegated, strap-like leaves, which are coloured yellow and green. It typically grows to 50 cm tall and the same wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 55 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' double red flowers.
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen'

Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of double burgundy red flowers that appear from spring through...

From$27.53
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.49
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

From$515.35
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.
Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$64.79
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.
Ribes 'Black Magnus'

Ribes 'Black Magnus' is a vigorous and productive black currant variety prized in NZ gardens for its rich flavoured berries and strong cropping...

From$30.29
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$33.05
calocephalus-silver-nugget--1
Calocephalus 'Silver Nugget' (Dwarf Cushion Bush)

Calocephalus 'Silver Nugget' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its finely branched silver foliage that creates a soft, rounded mound of colour...

From$23.39
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
Leptospermum 'Martini' pink flower with green foliage.
Leptospermum 'Martini'

Leptospermum 'Martini' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of pink flowers with red centres that bloom from spring through...

From$27.53
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
fraxinus-ornus-2
Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its fragrant creamy white flower clusters that appear in late spring and...

From$387.55
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

From$22.01
An immaculate Fine Fescue lawn in a modern and formal garden.
Fine Fescue 'Lawn Seed'

Fine Fescue 'Lawn Seed' is ideal for homeowners seeking a lush, fine-textured lawn that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance...

From$28.95
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$18.29
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
Ribes rubrum red berries on a shrub.
Ribes rubrum

Ribes rubrum is a productive red currant species valued for its bright, tangy berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$30.29
Acer griseum specimen tree in a park.
Acer griseum

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a highly sought after deciduous tree prized for its beautiful peeling cinnamon coloured bark and outstanding autumn...

From$249.95
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.84
Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) trees for sale at The Plant Company.
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$71.69
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
An exquisite Tall Fescue lawn.
Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready...

From$26.95
A Kikuyu grass lawn bordered by a garden.
Pure Kikuyu Seed

Kikuyu grass is suited to warmer regions and coastal areas where hot and humid summers are less well suited to other turf species. The variety of...

From$24.95
Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax) plant with lush green foliage growing beside a track.
Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax)

Astelia fragrans, commonly known as Bush Flax or Kakaha, is a hardy, clump-forming native plant of New Zealand. It features long, arching green...

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Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aristotelia, Calocephalus, and Dianella, or related Categories - Currants, Flaxes, and Grasses.

Search astelia species

Exploring Astelia Species in New Zealand

The genus Astelia features a range of species, each with unique qualities suitable for both residential and commercial planting. Many Astelia species are indigenous to New Zealand, endearing them to local garden enthusiasts for their hardiness and cultural significance. These clumping, rhizomatous perennials typically feature sword-like leaves, which can take on shades of silver, green, bronze, or even reddish tones, depending on the variety.

Among the most popular Astelia species grown in New Zealand is Astelia banksii (Wharawhara), revered for its broad, silver-green foliage and traditional uses by Māori. Likewise, Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax) impresses with its upright, glossy leaves and adaptability to semi-shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens and mixed borders. Gardeners looking for a hardier option often select Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia), which boasts tough, silver-flecked leaves well-suited to alpine or coastal environments.

Less commonly found but equally striking, Astelia solandri (Perching Lily) is an epiphytic species often spotted anchoring itself on tree branches in moist forests, while the cultivated Astelia 'Silver Shadow' offers a refined, silvery accent for contemporary garden designs.

How to Grow Astelia Species Successfully

One of the best features of Astelia species is their adaptability. These plants typically prefer moist, well-drained soils and partial shade, but many are robust enough to tolerate full sun, coastal winds, and periods of dryness once established. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, and an annual feed in spring can encourage lush, healthy growth. Astelia species are evergreen, so they provide all-year interest—ideal for mass planting, containers, edging pathways, or creating bold focal points in mixed beds.

Uses and Benefits of Astelia Species

In addition to their garden appeal, many Astelia species are valued for their ecological and cultural significance. Native plantings of astelia attract native birds and insects, contributing to local biodiversity. Historically, species like Astelia banksii (Wharawhara) have been used for weaving and as rongoā (traditional Māori medicinal plants).

Whether you are designing a lush subtropical retreat or seeking tough, wind-resistant foliage for exposed sites, exploring different Astelia species can help you achieve a versatile, resilient, and distinctly local planting palette.

Discover the Best Astelia Species for Your Garden

Ready to add the striking texture of Astelia to your landscape? Explore our selection of distinctive plants, including Astelia banksii (Wharawhara), Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax), Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia), Astelia solandri (Perching Lily), and Astelia 'Silver Shadow'. With so many beautiful Astelia species to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect variety for your unique garden space.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Gardeners love Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin', but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Tilia platyphyllos, Echinopsis oxygona, and Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka).
–The Plant Company

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