How to Grow Silver Spear

iNaturalist

Silver Spear

Astelia solandri

shrub

Astelia solandri is a striking evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, prized for its silvery-gray, sword-like foliage that forms dense, upright clumps. It produces delicate orange-red berries in autumn and small yellow flowers in spring. This architectural plant is valued for ornamental landscaping, particularly in Mediterranean and coastal gardens.

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Example Silver Spear timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Silver Spear
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Silver Spear
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Silver Spear dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best foliage color

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Water: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established. Water during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Tolerates both dry and moist conditions but prefers well-drained sites.

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Spacing: 36-48 inches

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Days to maturity: 2-3 years to reach ornamental maturity

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; space 3-4 feet apart

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand Gravel or perlite Organic compost (minimal)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 8b-10, tolerates zone 8a with protection

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

3-6 months

Young plant developing root system with compact silvery foliage emerging

Water regularly but ensure excellent drainage. Mulch lightly around base, keeping away from crown. Protect from extreme cold in zone 8b.

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Foliage expands, plant develops characteristic upright, sword-like leaves with silver-gray coloration

Maintain moderate watering. Minimal fertilizer needed; use low-nitrogen formula if needed. Remove any dead or damaged leaves.

Flowering

2-4 weeks in spring

Small yellow flowers appear in spring clustered among the foliage, subtly fragrant

Continue regular maintenance. Flowers are insignificant ornamentally but precede fruit development. Pollination may be aided by insects.

Fruiting

Summer through autumn (4-6 months)

Orange-red berries develop and ripen through summer into autumn, providing color contrast against silvery foliage

Do not prune heavily during this stage to preserve berry display. Multiple plants may increase fruiting due to cross-pollination.

Winter Dormancy

3-4 months

Growth slows; plant retains silvery foliage and may still display berries; semi-evergreen in cool climates

Reduce watering in very cold regions. In zone 8b, provide shelter from harsh winds. Plant remains ornamental year-round.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Phormium (New Zealand flax) Cordyline Pittosporum Lavender Cistus (Rock rose) Rosemary Agapanthus Gaura

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering and humidity Shade-demanding understory plants Species competing for poor, dry soils

Common Pests

Increase humidity; spray with water. Use miticide if severe. Improve air circulation.
Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil in spring before growth begins. Monitor regularly.
Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe.
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging. Remove and destroy severely affected plants. Improve soil drainage and spacing.

Uses

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Architectural Landscape Feature

Ornamental

The striking silvery-gray sword-like foliage creates dramatic vertical interest in garden design, making it ideal as a focal point or accent plant in Mediterranean, coastal, and contemporary landscapes. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

The berries attract native birds and provide autumn-winter food. The dense foliage offers shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife. [source]

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Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Household

As a drought-tolerant evergreen, Astelia solandri is valuable for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping, reducing irrigation needs while maintaining year-round visual interest. [source]

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Floral Arrangements & Garden Art

Craft

The distinctive silvery foliage and colorful berries are prized by florists and garden designers for creating textured arrangements and landscape compositions. [source]

Harvest Tips

Astelia solandri is grown for ornament, not harvest. Berries can be left on the plant for visual display through autumn and winter. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape and remove dead foliage; avoid heavy pruning as the plant is slow-growing.

Fun Facts

🌱 Astelia solandri is native to the rainforests and mountain regions of New Zealand, where it grows as a terrestrial plant unlike some epiphytic Astelia relatives.
🌱 The silvery coloration of its leaves is caused by tiny hair-like scales (trichomes) that reflect light, providing protection from intense UV radiation and helping the plant conserve moisture.
🌱 This plant was named in honor of Daniel Solander, an 18th-century botanist and naturalist who sailed with Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Pollination

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