Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Show all photos

Buy Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem'

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

8a-10b

2-4 inch bagged root ball | $23

UPS shipping based on order size & location

Fewer than 13 at Cistus Nursery

More Options

Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem' plant details

Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem' is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue, burgundy and red foliage. Features grassy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in acidic, average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: asteliaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue, burgundy and red
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem'

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty, rich and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Superb specimen plant for a choice container planting or a special garden spot – prefers light shade, adequate moisture and well-drained soil – silver, arching leaves make a grand statement just about anywhere!! Makes a 12”x18” clump. also choice for woodland or rock garden. Seldom offered, worth having!

By: Secret Garden Growers

Superimposed with the silky luster of abundant soft white hairs, the elegant sword-shaped foliage dons irregular, bronzed maroon stripes on an olive green background and luminous silver hues on smooth flipsides. Channeled, foot long basal leaves forge a stiffly arching evergreen tussock, arising from short thick rhizomes. Introduced by Duncan & Davies Nursery, this dramatic New Zealand Lily relative makes an unparalleled container candidate that fancies well-drained acid soil and part shade in hot climates.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Our favorite nivicola collection, again from New Zealand, forming clumps to 2' wide by roughly 18" tall with numerous leaves, all coated with a soft silver fur, that become deep red, almost burgundy, with light and frost in winter. Very striking! This has been one of the toughest creatures, not having received frost damage even in the 14 °F, arctic extravaganza in 1996. Also an amazingly good container plant where burgundy tones in rosette-forming plants are hard to come by. Even summer moisture in bright light for best color, though accepting of shade. Tolerant of frost to 10 °F, USDA zone 8, with reports of near 0 °F out of the wind.

By: Cistus Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem'

Photo of Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem' foliage by Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: plant lust

By: Cistus Nursery

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

By: Danger Garden

By: Danger Garden

By: Danger Garden

Gardening facts about Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem' plant

How to Grow Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem'

Sun Exposure
- mostly sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- acidic
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- gritty
Special Situation
- verticillium wilt resistant

Features

Foliage Color
- red
- blue
- burgundy
Wildlife
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Texture
- grassy

Landscape groups by tags

family: Asteliaceae

See other plant types of Astelia for your garden

Astelia 'Silver Shadow' PP22195

aka Astelia (chathamica x nervosa) 'Silver Shadow', Astelia chathamica 'Silver Shadow', Astelia x 'Silver Shaddow', Silver Shadow Chatham Island Astelia