Bush Lily
Astelia fragrans
The Bush Lily (scientific name: Astelia fragrans), also commonly known as Bush Flax or by its Māori name Kākaha, is a striking evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. As the most widespread member of the Asteliaceae family across the country, it is recognized for its large, arching clumps of sword-shaped foliage and sweetly scented spring flowers. It thrives in a variety of environments from sea level to montane forests, where it has evolved to occupy the moist forest floor. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, its vibrant summer berries, and its significant ecological and cultural importance within New Zealand's native landscapes. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for all native species.
Plant Description
Identification and Physical Characteristics
Astelia fragransis a large, clump-forming perennial that typically reaches a height of up to 1.5 meters. It is characterized by its broad, arching, sword-shaped leaves that are usually a lush green, often featuring a distinctive red midrib and occasionally a silvery underside. In spring, the plant produces clusters of small, sweetly scented green flowers. On female plants, these are followed in summer and autumn by attractive orange or yellow-orange berries that measure about 1 cm across. The entire plant has a bold, architectural form that provides year-round structural interest and a vibrant green presence in forest understory and garden designs across New Zealand.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Astelia fragrans |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 1.5 m |
| Spread | 1-1.5 m |
| Water Needs | Moderate; requires consistent moisture |
| Light | Partial shade to deep shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate; hardy once established |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate; found in coastal forests |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Bush Lily is well adapted to various temperate New Zealand regions, particularly forested and high-rainfall areas where consistent humidity and dappled light mimic its natural understory origins.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | High |
| Wellington | High |
| Christchurch | High |
| Dunedin | High |
Plant Habitat
Natural Occurrence and Ecology
In its natural environment, the Kākaha is the most common Astelia species found throughout New Zealand. It has evolved to occupy niches within lowland to montane forests, typically growing in the damp, shaded forest understory. It flourishes from sea level up to approximately 900 meters elevation, preferring moist, fertile, and well-drained soils that are rich in organic humus. Its ability to tolerate a range of light levels from partial to deep shade near the forest floor allows it to form extensive, lush clumps that stabilize forest banks and provide a striking green layer in woodland plant communities across both the North and South Islands.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Prefers fertile, moist, and well-draining soil rich in humus.
- Well-drained
- High organic content
Light Requirements
Grows best in partial to full shade; protect from direct hot sun.
- Full Shade
- Partial Shade
Water Requirements
Requires regular watering during establishment; maintain consistent moisture.
- Regular
- Avoid waterlogging
Planting and Establishing
Establishment Guidance
To successfully establish Astelia fragrans, choose a position that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the lush foliage from scorching. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and enrich the ground with plenty of organic compost before planting. Ensure the crown is set level with the soil surface to prevent rot. Planting during the cooler months of autumn or spring is ideal, allowing the plant to establish its root system before summer dry spells. Providing a cool root run with a layer of organic mulch will help maintain the soil moisture levels this spectacular forest species prefers for vigorous healthy growth throughout the year.
Ecological Role
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact
Bush Lily plays a vital role in New Zealand's forest ecosystems by providing essential structure and seasonal resources for local wildlife. Its dense, arching fronds offer important micro-habitats and shelter for specialized native invertebrates and forest lizards. The fragrant spring flowers offer a seasonal nectar source for native pollinators, while the summer berries are a crucial food resource for native birds like tūī and kererū. By forming robust clumps on the forest floor, it contributes to the cycle of organic matter and enhances the overall biodiversity and resilience of New Zealand's unique understory communities, supporting the health of our regenerating forest landscapes.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
In a garden setting, Astelia fragransis an excellent choice for architectural native landscapes, shady borders, or as a striking specimen under mature trees. Its vibrant green sword-like foliage provides a sophisticated textural detail that contrasts beautifully with delicate ferns or light-coloured groundcovers. Due to its clumping habit, it is perfect for mass plantings in damp areas or for adding lushness to woodland-themed designs. It is highly valued for its resilient nature and its ability to bring a sense of luxuriant forest elegance directly into your own garden or outdoor courtyard landscape, offering both aesthetic rewards and bird-friendly features.
- Understory planting
- Bird attractant
- Mass groundcover
Ecological Value
Beyond its ornamental appeal, this species holds significant cultural and practical importance. Known as Kākaha, it was traditionally utilized by Māori for its robust leaves, which were used for various weaving and construction purposes. The berries were also a food resource, and the plant held a place in traditional rongoā (medicine). This deep connection highlights the plant's significant cultural heritage as a respected resource within the historical and ongoing cultural tapestry of Aotearoa, where the unique properties of forest lilies were understood and valued for both practical needs and botanical heritage stewardship.
- Traditional weaving resource
- Native forest icon
Landscaping Uses
Modern landscaping can utilize Astelia fragransto create striking understory layers in specialized native or contemporary designs. Its architectural foliage and clumping habit make it a perfect softening element for the edges of paved paths or growing in large billowing sweeps under large specimen trees. Designers often use it to add a sense of permanence and lushness to a project, where its vibrant colour and arching form can be highlighted. Its ability to maintain a neat habit while tolerating forest shade and periodic dampness makes it a reliable and decorative performer for high-impact native landscaping projects across New Zealand's varied garden styles.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
As new leaves and fragrant flowers emerge, ensure the soil moisture is consistent. This is the optimal time for maintenance pruning to remove any winter damage. Apply a light dressing of organic compost around the base to support rapid growth.
- Spring pruning
- Monitor growth
Summer
Provide regular deep watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain the succulent nature of the foliage and support berry development. Ensure the plant remains well-shaded from intense midday sun, which can scorch the glossy green fronds.
- Maintain moisture
- Check for mealybugs
Autumn
The fleshy berries will mature and attract native birds. Tidy up the area by removing any old flower stalks or large fallen leaves that might smother the central crown. Ensure the site remains well-drained as the weather becomes wetter and cooler.
- Berry enjoyment
- Tidy debris
Winter
Naturally quite hardy in its native range but may need protection from severe inland frosts. Minimal intervention is needed; simply ensure the area stays free of heavy organic debris that could trap stagnant moisture around the central crown.
- Frost protection
- Clear debris
When to Prune and How Much
Astelia fragransrequires very little pruning. Maintenance is primarily limited to removing any dead, yellowing, or winter-scorched leaves in late winter or early spring before the new growth cycle begins. This improves air circulation around the crown and keeps the plant looking tidy and fresh. Always cut leaves as close to the base as possible using sharp, sterilized tools, taking care not to damage the central crown. Avoid cutting into the healthy green foliage to maintain the plant's characteristic architectural form. Proper maintenance ensures the plant remains a neat and distinctive feature year-round in your native collection.
- Remove dead leaves
- Maintenance thinning
Always use clean, sharp tools.
How to Grow Bush Lily
Cultivating Bush Lily (Astelia fragrans) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's lush forest flora. This resilient species is most commonly and reliably grown from fresh seed or through the careful division of established clumps. Replicating its natural well-drained, organic-rich forest floor habitat is the most critical factor for ensuring long-term success and maintaining its healthy, arching foliage in a garden setting.
From Seed
Propagation from seed is possible using fresh material collected in summer or autumn. Clean the fleshy pulp from the mature orange berries and sow the seeds immediately onto the surface of a moist, well-drained, organic-rich seed-raising mix. A period of cold stratification for about four weeks can help break seed dormancy and mimic the natural seasonal fluctuations. Keep the medium consistently moist but never waterlogged during the germination phase, which typically occurs in spring. Young seedlings are relatively fast-growing and should be pricked out into individual containers once they are large enough to handle without disturbing the developing root systems.
Sow fresh seeds in a standard mix.
- Collect mature berries
- Clean pulp from seeds
Keep moist until germination occurs.
From Cuttings
Vegetative propagation via division of established clumps is the most common and reliable method for producing new plants. This is best performed in early spring as new growth commences. Carefully lift a healthy clump and divide the central stock into smaller sections, ensuring that each new division has at least one active growing point and a substantial portion of the original root system. These divisions should be replanted immediately into a moist, well-draining soil mix and kept in a cool, bright spot until signs of new growth are observed, indicating that they have successfully re-established themselves and are ready for their permanent garden positions.
Division is best attempted in early spring.
- Select healthy clumps
- Replant in moist soil
Additional Methods
Ensuring the right growing environment is often more critical than complex propagation techniques for this species. It thrives when its roots are kept cool and moist within an organic substrate, making it perfect for specialized shady rockeries or native forest borders. Avoid areas subject to intense afternoon heat or prolonged drought, which can cause the lush foliage to wither. Once established, the plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering during dry periods and protection from common garden pests such as mealybugs during its early growth phase to maintain its healthy form and vibrant colour.
Once planted, it requires very little intervention.
- Monitor soil moisture
- Apply organic mulch annually
Pests & Diseases
Astelia fragransis generally resistant to most common garden pests, though it can occasionally attract mealybugs or scale insects, especially in sheltered or indoor settings. Regular monitoring and the use of non-toxic, organic controls are recommended to keep the foliage healthy. The primary risk in cultivation is root or crown rot, which occurs if the soil remains stagnant or poorly drained. Maintaining good air circulation and ensuring that the planting site has excellent drainage are the best ways to ensure the long-term health and resilience of this hardy native forest perennial throughout its life in your native plant collection.
Cultural Significance
Known by the Māori name Kākaha, Astelia fragransholds significant historical and cultural importance in New Zealand. Its leaves were traditionally valued as a versatile weaving material, and the fleshy berries were a food resource. The plant represents the deep connection between Māori and the native forest flora, where the unique properties of understory plants were understood and respected within traditional knowledge systems for both practical needs and cultural expression. Today, it remains a symbol of our botanical heritage and the ongoing commitment to protecting the specialized forest habitats where this beautiful Bush Lily currently thrives across both the North and South Islands.
- Traditional weaving resource
- Native forest heritage
Bonus Tip
To truly showcase the spectacular lush beauty of the Bush Lily, plant it in a mass grouping under the light shade of mature native trees. The drift of vibrant green fronds creates a luxurious and naturalistic understory display that brings a touch of wild New Zealand forest elegance directly into your own shaded garden or courtyard landscape design.
Related Plants
Explore other native plants that share similar characteristics or habitats with Bush Lily (Astelia fragrans), offering further insights into New Zealand's diverse flora. These related species provide context and opportunities for complementary planting in your garden.
Plant Conservation
Conservation Status and Threats
Currently classified as 'Not Threatened' nationally, Astelia fragransremains a stable and characteristic part of New Zealand's forest biodiversity. However, its success is linked to the preservation of its specialized moist forest floor habitats, which can be vulnerable to land development and the spread of aggressive invasive weeds. Ensuring that these natural forest environments remain protected from excessive human disturbance and pollution is key to maintaining the healthy populations of the Bush Lily that currently thrive across its natural range on both the North and South Islands.