Astelia nervosa 'Westland'

Astelia nervosa 'Westland' is the moody, metallic one in the astelia family: arching, sword-shaped leaves overlaid silver and flushed bronze-red, deepening to richer red as the weather cools. The New Zealand mountain astelia, sometimes called bush flax, forms a fountain-like evergreen clump that catches low light like brushed metal, and no phormium can match its sheen.It is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial to around 75 cm that earns its place twice over: as year-round structure among hardy exotics, and as a colour bridge between silver, purple and green planting. Small pale flower sprays appear in spring, but the foliage is the whole story.How and where to grow Position: full sun to partial shade, sheltered; colour deepens with light and cold. Soil: fertile and well-drained; moist summers, dry winters is the ideal rhythm. Size: around 75 cm tall and 1 m wide over time. Hardiness: H3, to about -5C. Mulch the crown and keep drainage sharp in colder gardens. Its salt and wind tolerance make it a natural for coastal and exposed gardens, and established clumps handle dry, gravelled schemes with ease. It is equally at home spilling from a container among our plants for pots. For pure gleaming silver, see its cousin Astelia chathamica 'Silver Spear'.Nursery-grown plants selected for strong, well-coloured clumps. Read our seasonal expectations guide for honest winter advice.