silver spear astelia

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Looking for a striking accent plant that truly stands out in your garden? The silver spear astelia is one of New Zealand's most visually captivating foliage plants, prized for its bold, silvery-green leaves and architectural form. Whether you're designing a low-maintenance landscape, coastal retreat, or a modern garden bed, silver spear astelia shines with its shimmering tones and impressive durability. With the right care, this plant offers year-round elegance and is incredibly versatile in garden settings across Aotearoa.

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

Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

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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.

Buy Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

From $299.92

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

Isolepis cernua (Fiber-Optic Grass)

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Isolepsis cernua (aka Scirpus cernua), commonly known as Fiber Optic Grass, grows as a tidy clump to about 25 cm tall and the same wide with green foliage and interesting silver flower heads. Isolepsis cernua is commonly planted alongside a pond or stream, planted around outdoor living areas, mass planted on a bank, or maintained in a container.

Buy Isolepis cernua (Fiber-Optic Grass)

From $16.13

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 25 cm

Spread: 25 cm

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian

Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Astelia, Buxus, Camellia, Convolvulus, Crassula, Doryanthes, Dymondia, Eucalyptus, Hedera, Heuchera, Isolepis, Michelia, Ophiopogon Pittosporum and Sansevieria, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, Grasses, Mondo Grass, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Evergreen Trees.

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What Makes Silver Spear Astelia Unique?

The silver spear astelia, also known as Astelia 'Silver Spear', features sword-like leaves with a brilliant silvery sheen. Its upright growth habit adds vertical interest, making it perfect for borders, containers, or as a specimen plant. This astelia is not only admired for its beauty, but also for its resilience – it tolerates wind, salt spray, and even dry conditions once established. Its foliage remains vibrant throughout the seasons, providing structure in both formal and naturalistic gardens.

Best Uses for Silver Spear Astelia

Silver spear astelia is ideal for a range of uses in New Zealand gardens:

Contemporary landscapes: Its striking metallic foliage complements minimalist or architectural designs.
Coastal plantings: Naturally resistant to salt spray, it thrives near beaches.
Container planting: Its sculptural form is perfect for large pots and modern planters.
Mixed borders: Use it as a bold contrast against softer-leaved natives and flowering shrubs.
Low maintenance gardens: With little need for fuss, it suits busy gardeners wanting an easy-care plant.

For details about the plant and its unique characteristics, read more at Astelia 'Silver Spear'.

How to Grow Silver Spear Astelia in New Zealand

Silver spear astelia flourishes in free-draining soil and a sheltered or partially sunny spot. In harsher climates, a bit of protection from cold winds ensures optimal performance. Water regularly during establishment, but this astelia often thrives even with occasional neglect once settled. It's generally pest-free and only needs tidying up of old leaves once or twice a year. Mulching around the base can help keep roots cool and moisture retained, especially in drier soils.

Other Astelia Species for New Zealand Gardens

While silver spear astelia is a standout, many gardeners love to combine it with other astelias for diverse foliage effects. The majestic Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia) offers larger leaves and a softer silvery tone, while Astelia banksii (Wharawhara) gives a subtler, upright presence. For those in more alpine conditions, Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia) is ideal. Another excellent cultivar is Astelia 'Westland', sought after for its bronze-hued foliage.

Find Silver Spear Astelia for Your Garden

If you’re ready to introduce texture and shimmering colour to your outdoor spaces, silver spear astelia is an exceptional choice. Visit our Astelia 'Silver Spear' page for availability, growing tips, and advice from local experts. From garden beds to pots and borders, this astelia brings lasting flair to any New Zealand garden.

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.