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Astelia banksii [compact form]

Also Known As

Shore Astelia
Silver Sword

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 18"-36"

planting zones

8b-11

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Astelia banksii [compact form] plant details

Astelia banksii [compact form] is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue foliage. In spring chartreuse and cream flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Astelia banksii [compact form]

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteliaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 18 IN - 36 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: chartreuse and cream blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Astelia banksii [compact form]

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Silver Sword is the common name for this attractive compact foliage plant. This selection hasn't grown any taller than 15" in the half dozen years we've grown it, and has slowly increased to about 15" wide. It is drought tolerant and makes a stunning architectural statement in containers. Enjoys the company of succulents.

By: Avant Gardens

Graceful member of the genus, this form producing spring-green, arching leaves, to only 2', with striking, silver undersides and, in spring and summer, cream to chartreuse flowers. Tolerant of salt spray for coastal gardens and easy in any garden with regular summer water and full sun to dappled shade. Frost hardy to the mid teens, mid USDA zone 8; has survived 10 to 12 °F with some protection.

By: Cistus Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Astelia banksii [compact form]

Photo of Astelia banksii [compact form] flower by Joshua McCullough

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By: Joshua McCullough

By: Avant Gardens

By: Karl Gercens III

Gardening facts about Astelia banksii [compact form] plant

How to Grow Astelia banksii [compact form]

Sun Exposure
- sun - dappled shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- acidic
- average
- well-drained
- gritty
Special Situation
- seaside / salt tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant

Features

Foliage Color
- blue
Flower Color
- cream
- chartreuse
Wildlife
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- spring
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Texture
- grassy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Astelia for your garden

Astelia nivicola 'Red Gem'

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 18"-24"

mostly sun - mostly shade
even moisture - regular

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

View Plant

Astelia 'Silver Shadow' PP22195

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