Astelia banksii

Yes they do have a lovely architectural quality dont they ? Watched a recent TV programme about Joseph Banks the Botanist who travelled with James Cook and many plants carry his name.

I wondered why it was called 'banksii' Thanks, Ray. :-)

There's also one called 'Westland' that has bronzy tints to the leaves

I have one, I love it Spritz, it will look great in your garden..

I've already got 'Westland', Andrew - I love it! I went and got another one as it looked so good. I hadn't come across this one before today, it isn't in my RHS books.

Ydd, did you fleece yours in the winter?? I did with my 'Westands' and they came through fine.

Yes Spritz 2 winters running and its fine, just took the fleece off last week, i really like it because its silver, all my other spikie's are mainly green :)

I think that's what drew me to it...;-) Try to take a look at Astelia nervosa 'Westland' - there's a photo in the garden section on my page - it has reddish stripes and I love that too!