Re: Obscure Astelias

Tim Longville wrote:
> 
> I wondered if any of our NZ or Australian members, particularly, could
> cast some light on the possibilities lurking in this genus? The only
> one commonly grown in the UK is A. chathamica. (The RHS now wants
> 'Silver Spear' to be simply synonymous with the species. Opinions?) 

Hi Tim

Local experts agree. Silver Spear was never a true cultivar name, just
one of those flights of fancy which garden centres irritatingly indulge
in to whip up interest. 
What really gets my goat is when they give you some ridiculous name like
say "Pink Fairy" for some new plant you have not before set eyes on and
their flashy label does not even tell you what genus it belongs to, let
alone the species.

>I grow that and I also grow A. banksii and an un-ID-ed species, a gift
> grown from seed by a friend. All three are so handsome and so
> successful that I'd like to try more - but since they are anything but
> cheap if bought from UK nurseries I'd like to have a notion of my
> chances of success. 

Well let's just see what the books say:-

Just about available from one or two nurseries
> here are

 A. solandri (the RHS says A. cunninghamii is synonymous:
> yes?)
The NZ Flora agrees. 

A solandri Kowharwhara (ko-farra-farra approx -if you are interested)

A natural epiphyte on the branches of lowland trees throughout North
Island and to Southern Westland (should be able to take moderate frosts)
Forms a graceful arching clump 1-2M tall with glossy green leaves
silvery beneath.
Can be attached to a treefork with moist moss or grown on the ground in
a well-drained site. While preferring some shade it can be grown in full
sun, when the leaf tips will often take on an attractive red hue.

A. fragrans, 
A large species and one of the most common, growing throughout in forest
and scrub from the coast to about 900m (3,000 ft approx)-Pretty hardy
this one I should say.
The broad green leaves, up to 2m long are overlaid with a silvery sheen
and the ribs are often reddish. An excellent filler for large spaces in
sun or shade, but can be difficult in humid areas (good drainage
essential I should say). 

I think this must be the species we see a lot in our local bush,
sometimes  with orange berries, but I have not apparently gone in at the
right time to observe the flowers.

A. graminea
The name means grass-like and this has the appearence of a clump of
grass with rather leathery sivery-bronze leaves. It is low-growing 
(about 49 cm high) and makes an attractive groundcover, rockery or
container plant..

In nature it comes from alpine areas of Nelson -Marlborough and won't
tolerate really warm moist conditions. A sunny situation produces the
best foliage. (difficult to obtain even over here apparently)

 A. nivicola. 
This does not seem to be cultivated here, but my NZ alpine plants says

Tufts 10-30 cm high with stout prostrate stems which branch to form
patches up to 50cm or more across

South Island, widespread in the higher rainfall areas, mostly low alpine
1,100-1,700m (3,500-5,500ft). Common in damp snow hollows among snow
tussock-herbfield, especially near its upper limit. (Looks as though it
would like your climate..) 

In the accompanying painting the leaves appear to be a yellowish-green
with a silvery underside, and maybe a reddish margin.

Are there any other species lurking which > might be worth trying,
whether in the open garden or (even) under > glass for winter? 

If it ever comes your way I can recommend A nervosa, especially its
cultivar 'Alpine Ruby'. I did extremely well for me on a terrace bed in
part shade until I felt it had outgrown its position and attemped to
move it. Alas, it fell into a sulk and then into a decline and so far I
have not got round to replacing it.

Leaves are from about 80cm to a couple of metres tall and leaf colour
may vary from reddish through green to siver. 'Alpine Ruby' is a good
red, especially if grown in full sun.

Range in the wild is lowland to montaine, so pretty hardy,  but MUST
have good drainage or roots may rot in damp areas (container plant
maybe)

No information on a possible Ozzie one I am afraid.

> And (final query): why have I never germinated a single seed of any
> astelia species? Is there some trick? Or is it one of those situations
> where the seed needs to be sown fresh (and of course mine has always
> been in seed-firm or gardening society storage)?

Metcalf says.
Seed should be sown fresh or otherwise cool-moist stratified 1-2 months
before sowing. 

Germination usually commences in late winter or early spring, but may
sometimes take up to 12 months.
 
> Thanks in advance for any help, advice or (most of all!) encouragement
> in my madness -

I hope you feel duly encouraged <G>.
Cheers

Moira
--

Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata (near Wellington, capital city of New Zealand)
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