Astelia grandis aka Astelia Grandis

Astelia grandis is a perennial in the Asteliaceae family. It comes from New Zealand, on both main islands. Its native range has a temperate climate. It grows in wet, sometimes peaty ground, from lowlands into mountains. Records extend south to about 45 degrees south latitude. In gardens, it can reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall.

This plant has male and female flowers on separate plants. A lone plant cannot set seed through self-fertilisation. Grow both sexes if you want to collect seed. The fruit is orange and about 0.4 inches [1 centimetre] across. Its flesh is sweet and juicy, and people eat it raw. The leaves yield a soft, brown fibre with several uses. No medicinal uses are known. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every use or for pets.

Choose a cool site with rich soil that holds moisture. Add humus where the soil needs more organic matter. The plant accepts sun or partial shade, including light woodland shade. Give it shelter from cold winds that dry the leaves. It suits a damp woodland garden where these needs are met. Keep the soil moist, but provide good drainage as well. Sandy, loamy and clay soils can all support it. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline conditions.

Cold limits where this species can grow outdoors all year. Plants For A Future reports tolerance to about 27°F [−3°C]. It may survive lower temperatures when the cold spell is brief. Outdoor planting may succeed in the mildest parts of Britain. This makes local winter conditions an important part of site choice. Its damp native habitat does not mean it needs standing water. The growing guidance calls for moisture together with drainage.

Raise new plants from seed or divide them in spring. Sow seed in a greenhouse during late winter. Germination can take more than a year, so allow time. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them in light shade under glass through their first winter. Plant them outside in late spring or early summer. Wait until they stand at least 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] tall. These steps help young plants reach planting size under shelter.