Astelia 'Red Shadow'
"Bush flax"
Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in August/September
Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in September/October
Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
Free tracked delivery
on orders over £50
Tracked delivery £4.99
on orders under £50
All orders are responsibly packed and delivered carbon neutral — Learn more
Delivery to Northern Ireland
Tracked delivery £6.99
on orders under £50
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Description
Astelia 'Red Shadow' brings a polished flash of colour to patios, gravel gardens and contemporary planting schemes, with long, strap-shaped leaves in deep bronze-red shades that seem made for catching low sunlight. This bush flax forms a gently splayed clump, architectural without looking severe, and gives pots or borders an instant sense of structure. Astelia 'Red Shadow' is especially effective where softer plants need a little backbone, pairing beautifully with silver foliage, ornamental grasses and drought-tolerant perennials. Its rich colouring adds depth among pale stone, terracotta and muted Mediterranean tones, making Astelia 'Red Shadow' a quietly confident choice for design-led spaces.
Although wonderfully sculptural, Astelia 'Red Shadow' has a relaxed, natural elegance rather than a clipped or formal feel. The foliage fans outward in layered ribbons, creating movement and shadow even when little else is happening in the garden, which is rather useful in the quieter months. Grow Astelia 'Red Shadow' in a sheltered, sunny to lightly shaded spot with free-draining soil, or give it pride of place in a handsome container where its colouring can be admired up close. Low-maintenance and distinctly stylish, Astelia 'Red Shadow' offers year-round form, a warm metallic glow, and just enough drama to keep things interesting.
Key features
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Comes back every year
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Attractive to wildlife
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Loved by pollinators
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Thrives well in full sun
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Low maintenance
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Fully hardy
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Rodent resistant
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Astelia 'Red Shadow'ᴾᴮᴿ
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Plant size
9cm root ball
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Established height
70cm-1m
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Established spread
70cm-1m
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Plant spacing
9 plants per m2
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Leaf colour
Bronze, red, brown
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Habit
Spreading
Clump-forming -
Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
2-3 years
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Sunlight
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade -
Position
Sheltered
Exposed -
Suitable for
Rock gardens
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Damp
Free draining -
Soil type
Sandy
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost
Stony -
Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
No
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
No
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Rabbit resistant
Yes
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Soak the Astelia 'Red Shadow' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting
Plant your "Bush flax" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost within a week of delivery and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors
Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed. Some varieties are a length of root which should be planted lengthways and shallowly (1-2cm deep).
Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.
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Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in September 2026Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in October 2026Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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