Astelia solandri
Astelia solandri, commonly known as Perching Lily or Bush Astelia, is a distinctive evergreen perennial native to New Zealand's forests and coastal cliffs. Known in te reo Māori as kōwharawhara, it often grows epiphytically on mature trees, forming striking rosettes of long, satin‑sheened leaves that deliver bold architectural accents in shaded gardens. Learn more in our alpine plants of New Zealand and native trees guides.
Image credit: Perching Lily (Astelia solandri) – Photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia.
Perching lily forms dramatic rosettes of long, sword‑shaped leaves with a satin sheen, often arching outward from high perches on mature trees or rocky ledges. Leaves can exceed a metre in length, creating bold, sculptural clumps. Small, pale flowers are followed by colourful berries. As an epiphyte or lithophyte, it gathers organic debris around its crowns, producing a natural planting pocket.
In nature, Astelia solandri inhabits humid coastal and lowland forests, perching on sturdy branches of trees such as kāmahi or occupying crevices on shaded cliffs. It relies on humid air, filtered light, and organic litter accumulation rather than deep soil. These conditions inform cultivation: provide shelter, moisture in the air, and excellent drainage around the crown.
The rosette structure traps fallen leaves and fine material, slowly building a pocket of humus that retains moisture and nutrients. Birds may visit the berries seasonally, aiding dispersal between perches. By occupying elevated microsites, perching lily adds vertical complexity to forests and supports small invertebrates within its layered foliage.
As a canopy or cliff specialist, it contributes to epiphytic communities, moderating humidity and capturing organic resources that would otherwise fall to the forest floor. Its presence broadens available niches and fosters biodiversity within coastal and lowland ecosystems, especially in sheltered, spray‑moderated situations near the sea.
Use perching lily as a statement container specimen on shaded patios, or mount it in custom baskets and crevice planters to echo its natural habit. Combine with tree ferns, kawakawa, and shade grasses for textural contrasts. Its strong form suits contemporary and naturalistic styles, where architectural foliage is the primary design driver.
Provide filtered light, high humidity, and free‑draining media enriched with fine bark and leaf mould. Water thoroughly but allow excess to drain rapidly. Shelter from hot winds. In containers, choose tall, narrow vessels that support the rosette and promote airflow around the crown. Feed sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertiliser.
Plant in spring or early autumn. For epiphytic display, secure crowns into a crevice or basket with a coarse, organic mix and stabilise with ties until roots anchor. For ground culture, raise the crown slightly to ensure fast runoff. Water in well and mulch lightly, keeping material clear of the centre to prevent rot.
Best in sheltered positions with morning light and afternoon shade. Avoid heat‑reflective walls and prolonged midday sun. Maintain consistent ambient moisture through grouping, canopy planting, and organic mulches in adjacent beds. Indoors or in shadehouses, provide regular misting and excellent airflow to keep foliage clean and healthy.
Remove old or weathered leaves at the base to preserve a crisp outline. Re‑tie plants on mounts as needed until roots firmly grab the support. Water deeply during summer dry spells and reduce in winter. Repot or refresh the epiphytic mix every few years to maintain porosity and organic content.
Astelia solandri is widespread in suitable habitats but benefits from the protection of old forest trees and cliff vegetation where it naturally perches. Avoid collecting from the wild. In gardens, showcasing its epiphytic form raises awareness of New Zealand’s unique canopy communities and the importance of intact forest structure.
| Scientific Name | Astelia solandri |
|---|---|
| Height | 60–90 cm |
| Spread | 60–100 cm |
| Water Needs | Moderate; keep evenly moist |
| Light | Partial shade to bright shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High; very hardy |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long‑lived perennial |
Best in cool, temperate climates with consistent moisture and shelter from hot, drying winds.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Moist, free‑draining, humus‑rich soils; avoid waterlogging.
Thrives in partial shade; tolerates bright shade.
Keep evenly moist, especially during establishment and dry spells.
Showcase perching lily as a sculptural centrepiece in shaded containers, crevice planters, or mounted displays that echo its natural epiphytic habit. Its strong leaf architecture delivers year‑round drama, pairing well with ferns and kawakawa for layered, textural compositions with minimal reliance on flowers.
Divide crowded clumps; refresh mulch.
Maintain moisture in heat; provide shade in extremes.
Top‑dress with compost; remove tired foliage.
Minimal care; protect from pooling water.
Remove damaged or spent leaves at the base as needed. Because this species often perches on branches, focus on gentle grooming to preserve the plant’s natural form. Avoid cutting into the central crown; seasonal tidying is sufficient.
Plant at the original depth into free‑draining, organic‑rich media. Water in thoroughly to settle roots and mount divisions securely if growing epiphytically. Finish with mulch where appropriate to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide offsets in spring by carefully separating side rosettes with attached roots; tie or secure to a suitable support if growing epiphytically. Seed can be raised but germination is slow and variable; maintain steady moisture and warmth.
Known to Māori as kōwharawhara, this epiphytic astelia appears in kōrero and customary practice for its resilient, strap‑like leaves and dramatic form. Leaves were occasionally used in weaving and for practical bindings, and the plant is now prized in designed landscapes that reference forest ecosystems and cultural narratives connected to ngahere.
Generally resilient when kept evenly moist and sheltered. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root problems, and watch for snails on tender growth. Good airflow and clean, debris‑free crowns reduce the risk of fungal disease.
For epiphytic displays, secure plants firmly and add coarse bark mulch for moisture retention. In containers, use a free‑draining mix and top with dark mulch to highlight foliage, reduce evaporation, and deter weeds while keeping the crown clear.