Astelia nervosa

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

Mountain Astelia

Astelia nervosa is an attractive NZ native that grows as a clump to about 80 cm tall and 1 m wide. It features stunning, silver-grey leaves that have in gentle arch. The leaf colouring can become red-bronze during cooler periods or when the plant is moisture stressed. Astelia nervosa is commonly used to achieve a striking effect either individually or in groups. Landscape designers will often use it in rock gardens, mixed plantings, or in areas where a colourful yet hardy plant is required.

Astelia nervosa is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Astelia available.

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Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:	All regions
Plant type:	Flaxes
Height:	80 cm
Spread:	1.00 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:	Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses:	Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:	Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Easy to grow?	Yes
Maintenance requirements	Low
Growth rate	Medium
Also known as	Mountain Astelia

How to grow the Astelia nervosa plant?

Astelia nervosa, commonly known as Mountain Astelia, is a hardy and decorative native New Zealand plant prized for its sword-shaped, silver-green to reddish foliage. To grow it successfully, choose a position with full sun to part shade—full sun enhances its leaf colour, especially in red-leaved varieties like ‘Red Devil’. It thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soils enriched with organic matter. While drought-tolerant once established, Astelia nervosa appreciates occasional watering during dry periods, particularly in summer. Avoid waterlogged soils, as root rot can occur. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Remove old or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. It is frost-hardy and wind-tolerant, making it ideal for exposed gardens, mass planting, borders, and containers. Its architectural form makes it an excellent feature in modern and native-themed landscapes.

Where to buy Astelia nervosa?

The Plant Company has the best Astelia nervosa 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 nervosa care

Astelia nervosa is a robust, low-maintenance plant that adds striking texture and colour to gardens, especially with cultivars like ‘Westland’ and ‘Red Devil’. It prefers full sun to partial shade—sunlight intensifies its foliage colour. Plant it in well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter, as it dislikes soggy conditions. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Feed annually in spring with a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser. Trim off spent or damaged leaves to maintain its neat form. Astelia nervosa is wind and frost tolerant, making it ideal for exposed sites, and is generally free from pests and diseases when grown in suitable conditions. It’s excellent for mass planting, borders, or use as an architectural feature in containers or rock gardens.