Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Astelia banksii (Wharawhara)

5 from 1 customers

Wharawhara, Shore Astelia

Astelia banksii, commonly known as Wharawhara or Shore Astelia, is a striking New Zealand native plant celebrated for its silver-grey, strap-like leaves that arch gracefully. Forming dense clumps up to 1.2 metres in height and width, it brings texture and visual interest to gardens year-round. This evergreen perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it ideal for coastal gardens, borders, containers, and mass plantings. In spring, Astelia banksii produces small, pale green flowers, followed by purple-black berries in autumn, which attract native birds. Its tolerance to wind, drought, and coastal conditions, along with low maintenance requirements, makes it a versatile choice for various garden styles, including modern, native, and architectural designs.

Large Astelia banksii with cascading green leaves.

Astelia banksii (Wharawhara) is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Astelia available.

explore them here

Notify me when this is available:
Please enter your email address below if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Flaxes
Height:1.20 m
Spread:1.20 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses:Banks, Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asWharawhara, Shore Astelia
Sku10008

Growing Astelia banksii

To grow Astelia banksii successfully, choose a well-drained location with partial shade to full sun. The soil should be rich in organic matter but not overly wet; raised beds or sloped areas are effective in avoiding root rot. Water regularly during dry spells, especially while the plant is establishing, but avoid overwatering. Astelia banksii is wind-tolerant and moderately frost-hardy, making it suitable for coastal or exposed gardens. Remove dead leaves as needed, and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feeding with a slow-release fertiliser in spring will encourage healthy growth. It's ideal for mass planting, containers, or as a feature plant in modern landscapes.

Astelia banksii for sale

The Plant Company has the best Astelia banksii for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants, and our logistics team packs them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive, and the quality is exceptional. The seed is eco-sourced and then grown into amazing plants ready for their new homes. We all love producing this beautiful plant and hearing our customers thank us for providing them with healthy and vibrant plants. Let us take care of your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Astelia banksii care tips

Astelia banksii grows best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, although it will tolerate poorer soils if drainage is adequate. When planting, it's essential to keep the crown above the soil line and avoid waterlogged or heavy soils, as this species can be prone to root rot. Regular watering is needed during establishment, but once settled, Astelia banksii becomes relatively drought-tolerant. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the crown. Feeding in early spring with a slow-release fertiliser or compost encourages vigorous growth. While generally pest-free, removing old or damaged leaves periodically will keep the plant looking its best. It is tolerant of wind and moderately frost-hardy, making it suitable for a wide range of landscapes, including coastal and exposed gardens.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Astelia banksii (Wharawhara)? We are here to help.

Reviews

5 from 1 customers
Mike Howell - Auckland
Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.
Most Popular

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...

From$299.92
Astelia Frosted Bronze plants with colourful foliage in a pot.
Most Popular

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...

From$29.63
Astelia 'Rebel' large plants with silver-red foliage in a garden.
Most Popular

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...

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

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...

Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Phormium 'Green Dwarf', also known as Dwarf Green Flax, is a compact, tidy New Zealand flax cultivar with lush, bright green, strap-like leaves. It...

From$16.13
Phormium 'Raspberry Ripple' colourful red, foliage.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Raspberry Ripple'

Phormium 'Raspberry Ripple' is a striking New Zealand flax valued for its arching foliage streaked with rich raspberry red and creamy tones. This eye...

From$20.93
Beschorneria yuccoides flax-like plant with blue-green leaves and large pink flowers.
Most Popular

Beschorneria yuccoides

Beschorneria yuccoides (Mexican Lily) is an architectural evergreen valued for its sculptural rosettes of sword like foliage and tall coral toned...

From$29.63
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2
Most Popular

Dianella Kentlyn

Dianella Kentlyn is a variety of the commonly known, Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

From$16.13
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Salvia 'Blue Angel', Hydrangea Bridal Bouquet, and Orange 'Washington Navel' deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews