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mountain astelia

If you’re searching for a hardy, eye-catching New Zealand native, mountain astelia deserves a prime spot in your garden. Known botanically as Astelia nervosa, mountain astelia is celebrated for its architectural foliage and exceptional versatility. Whether you’re planting for texture, structure, or wildlife value, mountain astelia brings a distinctive silver-green shimmer and resilience to both residential landscapes and public spaces. Explore how this robust native can transform your outdoor areas, and discover companion Astelia varieties that suit every design ambition.

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
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 green. It has a compact growth habit and typically grows to 1 m tall and the same width. Astelia 'Frosted Bronze' is commonly used to achieve a striking effect, individually or in groups. The impressive colour of this plant makes it an attractive feature in any garden, and it is excellent for including in borders, mixed plantings, or mass planting either on a bank or as a groundcover.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.

Phormium 'Emerald Gem'

Phormium 'Emerald Gem' is a dwarf variety of Mountain Flax or Wharariki. It produces emerald-green leaves and grows to 60 cm tall and 70 cm wide in...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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Phormium cookianum

Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is a graceful New Zealand native valued for its arching green leaves and tall...

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Pseudowintera colorata colourful foliage.

Pseudowintera colorata

Pseudowintera colorata, commonly known as Mountain Horopito, is a NZ native shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth has dominant red tones...

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Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$21.53
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Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara)

Podocarpus laetus, commonly known as Mountain Totara, is an elegant NZ native tree that features small leaves which are held somewhat densely off...

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Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Red Mountain’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its striking red...

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Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

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Juniperus 'Skyrocket' shrubs with blue-grey foliage.

Juniperus 'Skyrocket'

Juniperus 'Skyrocket', commonly known as the Skyrocket Juniper or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows as a broad column. It...

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Prunus Mountain Haze

Prunus Mountain Haze Tree Size and Growth Habit

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Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Astelia, Fuscospora, Juniperus, Phormium, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Prunus, Pseudowintera Rhododendron and Sorbus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Flaxes, Evergreen Shrubs, Vireya Rhododendon, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search mountain astelia

What Makes Mountain Astelia Special?

Mountain astelia stands out for its dense, arching leaves with metallic blue-grey hues—perfect for creating visual interest and contrasting with other natives or exotic species. As a New Zealand indigenous plant, it naturally thrives in cooler, moist environments, making it an excellent choice for bush gardens, coastal borders, or even challenging sites where other plants struggle. With a mature height of 1m-1.5m and tolerance of partial shade or full sun, mountain astelia is superb as a specimen plant, massed in groupings, or used for erosion control on slopes.

Growing Mountain Astelia in Your Garden

Mountain astelia is remarkably easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soils but is adaptive to a range of conditions, from damp knolls to dappled woodland. Maintenance is minimal: simply remove older leaves and mulch annually to suppress weeds and retain moisture. The plant’s slow growth rate makes it an excellent low-fuss addition that rewards gardeners with year-round foliage and seasonal flower spikes. To source premium specimens, visit our page for Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia), where you’ll find healthy plants ready for planting.

Wildlife and Ecological Benefits

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, mountain astelia is an eco-friendly choice. Its dense foliage provides shelter for native birds and insects, while the silver coloration reflects light, cooling garden spaces during the hotter months. For those looking to build a wildlife-friendly garden, mountain astelia makes an excellent foundation. Pair it with other New Zealand natives to encourage pollinators and foster biodiversity.

Companion Astelia Varieties

If you want to expand your garden palette, Astelia genus offers several striking options. Consider Astelia 'Red Devil' for vibrant burgundy tones, or Astelia grandis (Swamp Astelia) for wetland plantings and lush foliage. Astelia 'Westland' delivers compact silvery tufts ideal for smaller gardens or container displays, while Astelia 'Frosted Bronze' features a unique bronze sheen and frost tolerance. Mixing these with mountain astelia can create dynamic, layered plantings that evolve beautifully with the seasons.

Plant Mountain Astelia and Transform Your Landscape

Mountain astelia embodies both rugged endurance and remarkable elegance—the perfect combination for New Zealand gardens. Whether you’re seeking erosion control, ornamental foliage, or increased biodiversity, this native strives in a variety of conditions and complements a wide array of companion plants. Browse our selection and find inspiration with Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia) and other related Astelia varieties. Embrace the natural beauty of New Zealand’s flora and enjoy a flourishing, textural landscape year-round.


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–The Plant Company

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