Astelia Shore Astelia Banksii is an evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. Shore Astelia germinates without pre treatment, but 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed up and even out germination time. Other common names of this plant are Silver Sword, Wharawhara, and Coastal Astelia. Astelia Banksii grows up to 4 feet tall forming attractive clumps of silvery-green, hairy sword-like leaves, and female plants bear panicles of white flowers in summer, followed by purple-pink fruits in fall.
Astelia Shore is a superb, hardy, evergreen architectural plant that due to its origin to the lowland and coastal forests of New Zealand and dramatic foliage is perfect for coastal gardens, or anywhere else including ornamental gardens, containers, raised beds, borders, gravel gardens, growing as a specimen or for a mass planting and for adding a tropical feel to the garden, particularly in areas of partial shade. It can take two-three months for Astelia Banksii seeds to germinate, and established Coastal Astelia grows best in moist but well-drained soil, ideally in partial shade tolerating full sun and drought.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 3-4 Feet
Bloom Season: Summer
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Average/Sandy/Loamy/Moist well-drained, pH 5.5-7.0
USDA Zones: 8-11
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (8-10 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Fall/Spring
Seed Depth: 1/8 Inch
Germination Time: 30-90 Days
