wharawhara

Astelia banksii | wharawhara, kōwharawhara, pūwharawhara, coastal astelia, shore kowharawhara

 

A striking plant, admired for its narrow, silver-grey, strap-like leaves that arch gracefully to form dense clumps up to 1.2 metres tall and wide. This evergreen perennial adds year-round texture and contrast to plantings, especially in coastal or dry conditions.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it prefers free-draining soils but will tolerate wind, drought, and exposed coastal sites. It is highly versatile, suitable for use in coastal gardens, under trees, in borders, containers, mass plantings, or as a bold structural element in modern and architectural garden designs.

In spring it produces small, pale green flowers, followed in autumn by striking pink to purple-black berries, which attract native birds. Its low maintenance and resilience make it a reliable choice for adding drama and movement to a landscape.

coastal forest

well drained

full sun

partial shade

height | 1.2m

width | 1.2m

flowering | March  - April - June

fruiting | January - June

The leaves of wharawhara were traditionally used by Māori to weave temporary baskets and mats for preparing food in a hāngi.