Smaller growing Silver Spear that forms spreading colonies in part shade, rich soil and a protected location. Red tinted silver arching evergreen perennial that requires protection form hot dry conditions in summer and subfreezing winds in winter. To 8″ tall and twice as wide. Excellent in containers, protect containers from temperatures below 20ºF. This has been a long term performer in protected urban environments. Cover if temperatures threaten to drop below the upper teens. Added protection can’t hurt. Regular summer water speeds the increase of the clump. Handsome plant. Try it in a protected woodland- you’ll like it. Trust me. Heh. Wonderful performance at the Oregon Coast.
Astelia nivicola ‘Red Gem’
Family: Asteliaceae Genus: Astelia
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Oregon Coast
Sun exposure: Part Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn8a 15º to 10ºF
Foliage color: Gray-green, Red/Pink
Foliage season: Evergreen