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chatham island astelia

Chatham Island Astelia is a stunning New Zealand native plant prized for its silvery-green, arching foliage and impressive presence in gardens and landscapes across the country. Also known by its botanical name, Astelia chathamica, this robust perennial offers both dramatic texture and year-round colour, making it a top choice for those seeking easy-care, eye-catching plants. Whether you’re designing a modern coastal garden or simply need a low-maintenance specimen for a shaded corner, the Chatham Island Astelia excels in a wide range of settings.

Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.

Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

5 from 2 customers

Astelia chathamica, commonly known as the Chatham Island Astelia or Kakaha, produces broad, erect, silver-green leaves. The leaves are held with a gentle arch as they grow to 1.5 m tall and the same width. Astelia chathamica is an ideal plant for coastal gardens, suitable for mass planting either on a bank or as a ground cover, or for adding texture and interest to a mixed planting. It will provide a striking display, whether grown individually or in clusters, and is both robust and easy to grow.

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: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Olearia traversii plant with white flowers and green foliage.

Olearia traversii

5 from 1 customers

Olearia traversii, commonly known as Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a hardy New Zealand native tree valued for its upright form and resilience. This evergreen produces glossy green leaves with silvery undersides and small daisy like flowers in summer. It is a popular choice for shelter, screening, and coastal planting due to its fast growth and toughness.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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A large Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia) plant with colourful foliage in a semi-shaded spot.
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Astelia grandis plant with green leaves.
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Large Astelia banksii with cascading green leaves.
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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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Astelia Silver Spear plant with beautiful silver foliage.
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...

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Large Astelia Silver Shadow plant with flax-like, silver and green coloured leaves.
Astelia 'Silver Shadow'

Astelia 'Silver Shadow' is a distinctive plant with its sword-shaped, silver foliage. The leaves have a graceful arch, which makes for an attractive...

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Astelia 'Red Devil' plant growing a in pot with other colourful plants.
Astelia 'Red Devil'

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Astelia Frosted Bronze plants with colourful foliage in a pot.
Astelia 'Frosted Bronze'

Astelia 'Frosted Bronze' features striking and colourful foliage. The new leaves emerge a red-bronze colour and age to become silver with a hint of...

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Fantastic red and grey flax-like foliage on a large Astelia Westland plant.
Astelia 'Westland'

Astelia 'Westland' features striking and colourful fronds with the new fronds emerging a red-bronze colour and aging to become silver-green. It has a...

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Astelia solandri (Perching Lily) plant with lush green foliage and pink flowers.
Astelia solandri (Perching Lily)

Astelia solandri, also known as Perching Lily or Kowharawhara, is a native New Zealand epiphytic or ground-dwelling plant with broad, arching green...

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A Blechnum procerum (Rasp Fern) with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum procerum

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Astelia 'Rebel' large plants with silver-red foliage in a garden.
Astelia 'Rebel'

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Aciphylla dieffenbachii plants with green flowers.
Aciphylla dieffenbachii (Chatham Island Aciphylla)

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Myosotidium hortensia alba large, white flower and dark green foliage.
Myosotidium hortensia alba

Myosotidium hortensia 'Alba', commonly known as White Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not, is a rare native New Zealand perennial growing up to 60 cm tall...

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Astelia trinervia plant.
Astelia trinervia

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Blechnum novae-zelandiae (Kiokio) ferns with lush, green fronds.
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Geranium traversii plant with pink flowers and green foliage.
Geranium traversii (Chatham Island Geranium)

Geranium traversii, commonly known as the Chatham Island Geranium, is a compact, hardy New Zealand native prized for its soft, grey-green foliage and...

OUT OF STOCK
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget Me Not) plant with lush green foliage and stunning blue flowers.
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not)

Myosotidium hortensia, commonly known as the Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not, is a distinctive and recognisable NZ native. The plants have large...

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Lophomyrtus traversii plant.
Lophomyrtus traversii

Lophomyrtus traversii is a rare and attractive NZ native shrub or small tree valued for its dense branching, small glossy foliage, and hardy growth...

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Rhopalostylis 'Chatham Islands' nikau palm tree.
Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau)

Rhopalostylis sapida 'Chatham Islands' is a striking form of the iconic New Zealand Nikau Palm, naturally found on the Chatham Islands. This variety...

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Blechnum fraseri fern with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern)

Blechnum fraseri is a distinctive NZ native fern admired for its upright, leathery fronds and strong architectural form. This hardy species thrives...

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Blechnum vulcanicum fern with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum vulcanicum (Korokio)

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Myrsine chathamica shrub.
Myrsine chathamica

Myrsine chathamica, commonly known as Chatham Island Matipo, is a hardy NZ native shrub or small tree found naturally on the Chatham Islands. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Melicytus chathamicus tree with lush green foliage.
Melicytus chathamicus (Chatham Island Mahoe)

Melicytus chathamicus, commonly known as the Mahoe Tree, is a hardy NZ native species that delivers both resilience and beauty to the garden. With...

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Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arthropodium, Astelia, and Hedera, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, and Perennials.

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What Makes Chatham Island Astelia Special?

The Chatham Island Astelia stands out with its broad, shimmering leaves that add a soft, architectural touch to any outdoor space. Native to the Chatham Islands, this species has adapted to cope with salt-laden winds and is perfectly suited to New Zealand’s diverse climates. Mature plants can reach up to 1.5 metres tall, creating a bold feature in mixed borders or mass plantings. The foliage catches the light beautifully, and small clusters of attractive red-orange berries may develop in summer, further enhancing the plant’s visual appeal.

How to Grow and Care for Chatham Island Astelia

Chatham Island Astelia is very versatile and thrives in both full sun and part shade. For best results, plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. This Astelia is moderately drought-tolerant once established but benefits from extra water during long dry spells. Position your Astelia chathamica in a sheltered spot if you live in an exposed area, as strong winds can occasionally mark the dramatic leaves. A yearly mulch of compost or leaf mould helps maintain healthy foliage.

As a low-maintenance garden plant, Chatham Island Astelia rarely needs pruning. Simply remove any old or damaged leaves in spring to keep your plant looking its best. Over time, clumps may gently expand, making it easy to divide and propagate new plants.

Landscape Uses for Chatham Island Astelia

Few plants offer the combination of hardiness, architectural good looks, and adaptability that Chatham Island Astelia does. It’s a favourite for coastal gardens, where it tolerates salty air and wind. Use it as a statement specimen in a modern landscape, pair it with native flaxes and tussocks for a lush, textural effect, or plant en masse to create a dynamic groundcover beneath trees and large shrubs. Its bold foliage also provides excellent contrast with finer-leaved natives and exotics.

Discover Other Astelia Varieties

If you love the appealing qualities of Chatham Island Astelia, you might also like to explore other members of this fascinating genus. Browse our range to find unique Astelia species for all garden styles and conditions:

Whether you’re new to gardening with New Zealand natives or expanding your collection, the Chatham Island Astelia is a versatile, beautiful addition for any home garden. Visit our online shop to find healthy, quality plants ready for delivery nationwide.


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