Scientific name: Astelia banksii
Family: LILIACEAE
Common names: “Shore astelia” “Wharawhara” “Coastal astelia”
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 9-11 – bring indoors for the winter
Light: Full sun – part shade
Exposure: Sheltered, seaside conditions
Soil: Fertile
Moisture: Moist well drained, drought tolerant once established
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 12″ W 18″ in Victoria, but H 3-6′ W 5′ in warmer climates
Leaf and Stem shape: Silvery, sword-shaped leaves
Flower: Panicles of small, pale greenish or brown flowers, followed on female plants by orange or red berries
Pruning: N/a
Maintenance: Remove or trim winter damage in the spring
Landscape use: Foliage plant, oceanfront planting
Propagate: By division and seed
Pests & Disease: None
*Deer resistant
Comments: Named after Joseph Banks, must be brought inside for the winter
Cultivars: A. chathamica (~AGM) & A. nervosta – zone 8-9
Vancouver Island Grows 