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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.

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.

From $102.84

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
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.

Vitex lucens

5 from 1 customers

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and glossy green leaves. This evergreen tree flowers throughout much of the year, attracting native birds such as tui and kererū.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Native
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Large Dracaena draco (Canary Islands Dragon Tree) specimen trees.
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Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.
Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

Astelia chathamica, commonly known as the Chatham Island Astelia or Kakaha, produces broad, erect, silver-green leaves. The leaves are held with a...

OUT OF STOCK
A large Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia) plant with colourful foliage in a semi-shaded spot.
Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia)

Astelia nervosa, or Mountain Astelia, is a striking New Zealand native valued for its colourful, sword-like foliage. The leaves range from...

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Astelia grandis plant with green leaves.
Astelia grandis (Swamp Astelia)

Astelia grandis, known as Swamp Astelia, is a striking native plant found in damp, lowland forests and wetlands across New Zealand. It forms large...

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Large Astelia banksii with cascading green leaves.
Astelia banksii (Wharawhara)

Astelia banksii, commonly known as Wharawhara or Shore Astelia, is a striking New Zealand native plant celebrated for its silver-grey, strap-like...

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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'

Astelia 'Red Devil' is a compact, clump-forming native plant prized for its striking red-bronze foliage. Reaching approximately 60 cm in height and...

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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

Blechnum procerum (Rasp Fern) is a rugged and handsome NZ native fern known for its upright, leathery fronds and strong structural presence. This...

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

Astelia 'Rebel' is a variety selected for its impressive, dark red-brown foliage. The long and slender leaves are held somewhat stiffly and densely...

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

Aciphylla dieffenbachii is a striking NZ native perennial valued for its bold, spiky foliage and strong architectural presence. This evergreen plant...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum minus fern with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum minus (Swamp Kiokio)

Blechnum minus is a compact and graceful NZ native fern valued for its delicate fronds and tidy spreading habit. It thrives in moist, shaded...

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Astelia trinervia plant.
Astelia trinervia

Astelia trinervia, commonly known as Kauri Grass, is a tall, NZ native Astelia. It grows as a clump and produces long, narrow, bright green leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum novae-zelandiae (Kiokio) ferns with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum novae-zelandiae

Blechnum novae-zelandiae (Kiokio) is a bold and dramatic NZ native fern known for its long, arching fronds and strong presence in shaded garden...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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)

Blechnum vulcanicum, commonly known as Korokio, is a distinctive NZ native fern admired for its upright fronds, striking reddish new growth, and...

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Olearia traversii

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search chatham island astelia

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.

Contact us

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Our garden favourites Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant's Tail Grass) and Azara microphylla get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Sempervivum calcareum, Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty', and Viburnum tinus variegatum.
–The Plant Company

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