Astelia Silver Shadow (syn. Silver Spear)

An impressively architectural plant grown for its silvery foliage, Astelia Silver Shadow is a large, clump-forming, evergreen perennial with long, lance-shaped, silver-dusted leaves, up to 39/1m long, longer where the plant is suited. In May and June, loose panicles of yellowish-green flowers are borne on long stems on female plants. Astelia Silver Shadow is not for colder gardens, but is good in milder, coastal areas, especially with the protection of a warm wall; it can be grown in large containers and brought into a cool greenhouse for the winter.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Light, moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soil, humus-rich or peaty preferred
Position: Partial shade; tolerates full sun if soil is reliably moist
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Half-hardy (down to -5C)
Height: 39-4 (1m-1.2m) Spread: 39-6 (1m-1.75m)