Bush Lily
/
(Astelia fragrans)
Bush Lily (Astelia fragrans)
/
Penelope Noel Gillette
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Penelope Noel Gillette
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Penelope Noel Gillette | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Penelope Noel Gillette | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-08-25T14:51:37-07:00 |
Summary
Astelia fragrans, commonly known as Bush Lily, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the open forests and scrublands of New Zealand. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters). The plant features long, arching, silver-green leaves that give it a distinctive tufted appearance. Although not known for showy flowers, Astelia fragrans produces subtle, star-shaped, greenish-white blooms in spring, which are often hidden among the leaves. The yellow-orange fruit that appears in summer is attractive to birds and adds to the plant’s ornamental value.
Bush Lily is valued for its textural foliage and architectural form, making it a striking addition to shaded garden areas, borders, and as an underplanting in woodland gardens. It is relatively low maintenance and tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. Astelia fragrans prefers partial shade to full sun and benefits from protection from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. This plant is considered safe for cultivation outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bush Lily is valued for its textural foliage and architectural form, making it a striking addition to shaded garden areas, borders, and as an underplanting in woodland gardens. It is relatively low maintenance and tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. Astelia fragrans prefers partial shade to full sun and benefits from protection from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. This plant is considered safe for cultivation outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 2-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the open forests and scrublands of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Bush Flax, Kakaha
Scientific Names: Astelia fragrans, Astelia nervosa var. sylvestris, Funckia fragrans
GBIF Accepted Name: Astelia fragrans Colenso