Green Astelia
Astelias are New Zealand native spiky shrubs, similar in size and stature to many Phormiums. My garden is home to several different types, with mid-green ones growing happily in Middle Garden. They are wonderful foliage plants - I love bringing a little bit of native New Zealand bush into my garden.
Green Astelia
Each summer clusters of small flowers are produced from the middle of the plant. These turn into orange berries in autumn. The strappy leaves are quite tough and ever so slightly ribbed.
Green Astelia
My goodness, there's so much I didn't know about Astelias. For example, there are 15 different species in New Zealand, with males and females (only the females flower).
Astelia with Phormium in Middle Garden
Please click the link to O2 Landscapes for detailed information and amazing photographs of Astelias out in the New Zealand bush.