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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Asteliaceae (Asparagales) |
| Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: NA |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 2-4 feet |
| Width: 3-4 feet |
| Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Astelia banksii (Shore Astelia) - Evergreen perennial from the lowland and coastal forests of the North Island of New Zealand that grows to 3-4 feet tall. The silvery/pale-green foliage of this species is narrow and slightly recurved. Plant in part sun to light shade and although this plant can take extended periods without irrigation it looks better if given occasional water. As with other Astelia, the male and female flowers are on separate plants (Dioecious), neither are showy and are usually down in the foliage. Hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. There are 25 species of Astelia, 13 endemic to New Zealand. We received our original stock plant of this plant at Graham Platt's Nursery north of Auckland in 1994 and first began selling it in 2000. The genus name comes from combining the Greek words 'a' meaning "without" and 'stele' meaning a "trunk" or "pillar" in reference to these plants not forming a stem or trunk. They have long been considered part of the Liliaceae family but most recent treatment puts them in the Asteliaceae family in the Asparagales order with the relatively unknown genera Collospermum, Milligania and Neoastelia.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Astelia banksii .
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