Astelia fragrans

How to grow Astelia fragrans plants?

Astelia fragrans, also known as bush lily or kakaha, is a hardy New Zealand native plant valued for its lush, arching green foliage and ability to thrive in damp, shaded areas. It grows best in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. This species naturally occurs in forest understorey environments, making it well-suited to sheltered garden beds, woodland settings, or as a groundcover beneath trees. While it can tolerate short dry periods once established, regular watering during prolonged dry spells will help maintain lush growth. Adding mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Astelia fragrans benefits from an annual application of slow-release fertiliser or compost in spring to support healthy foliage. Maintenance is minimal—simply trim away any dead or damaged leaves as needed. It is also frost-tolerant and relatively pest-free, making it a resilient choice for low-maintenance gardens in cooler, shady parts of New Zealand.

Where to buy Astelia fragrans?

The Plant Company has the best Astelia fragrans plants to buy in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack 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 look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Astelia fragrans care

Astelia fragrans is a robust and attractive New Zealand native that thrives in shaded to semi-shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil. It naturally grows in forest environments, so mimicking those conditions will produce the best results. This plant prefers rich, humus-laden soils, and benefits from mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds. While relatively tolerant once established, it does best with regular watering, particularly during dry spells. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely for extended periods. In early spring, apply a slow-release fertiliser or compost to encourage fresh growth. Astelia fragrans requires minimal maintenance—just remove old or damaged foliage to keep the clump tidy. It is frost-hardy and generally free from pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for shady gardens, understory plantings, or bush-style landscapes. The plant also produces small, fragrant flowers and reddish-orange berries, adding ornamental interest, though these should not be consumed.

Are Astelia fragrans berries poisonous?

Astelia fragrans (commonly known as bush lily or kakaha) produces small red or orange berries, but there is limited definitive information on their toxicity to humans or pets. While some Astelia species are considered non-toxic, others contain saponins—natural compounds that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts. As a precaution: Avoid eating the berries or allowing children or pets to consume them. Caution is still advised due to the lack of detailed toxicological data. If ingestion does occur and symptoms arise (e.g., vomiting, diarrhoea), it’s best to contact Poisons Centre NZ (0800 764 766) for guidance.