Astelia nivicola ‘Red Gem’ is my favorite plant in the garden, this week…

The temperatures we’ve experienced this winter in the PNW are astelia killers. Once upon a time I had upwards of half a dozen huge astelias in my garden. But along with killing all the phormiums in Portland, the winters of 2008/09 and 2009/10 did in my astelia collection. I swore I would only grow them in containers after that. But then during a tour in the spring of 2011 Sean Hogan pointed at an astelia in his garden which had made it though the killing winters. I was doubtful, after his garden stays a little warmer than mine, but what did I have to lose? I bought one. Meet Astelia nivicola ‘Red Gem’...

And although it certainly isn't huge it is still very much alive, and that folks, is all that matters.

Oh and of course then I bought another. And it's still alive too!

Here's the Cistus description: "Our favorite nivicola collection, again from New Zealand, forming clumps to 2' wide by roughly 18" tall with numerous leaves, all coated with a soft silver fur, that become deep red, almost burgundy, with light and frost in winter. Very striking! This has been one of the toughest creatures, not having received frost damage even in the 14 °F, arctic extravaganza in 1996. Also an amazingly good container plant where burgundy tones in rosette-forming plants are hard to come by. Even summer moisture in bright light for best color, though accepting of shade. Tolerant of frost to 10 °F, USDA zone 8, with reports of near 0 °F out of the wind." Okay but here's the thing...I am a touch superstitious, and here I am singing the praises of a plant that's under siege right now outside in the garden. These pictures were all taken last week when there was warmth and sunshine. Am I tempting fate by featuring a plant that's being tested for the second time this winter?

Let's take a look at how the other planted-out astelia are doing (because of course a couple mild winters in a row had me breaking my "container only" vow) . This one an Astelia chathamica is somehow clinging to life. It's not pretty but heck, it's green!

Another Astelia chathamica...not much green there.

Here's how the Astelia banksii looks. But wait! There's a little green on the left! However it didn't get any coverage today as I prepared for the cold temperatures so I doubt that green will be around come Sunday.

But this post is about the survivor right? Here are the stats for Astelia nivicola ‘Red Gem’...

• evergreen (silver, bronze) plant hardy in USDA Zones 8a - 10b
• eventually reaches a size of 18" tall by 2' wide
• even moisture (that means some summer water) and bright light
• from New Zealand

So are there any plants in your garden you're especially appreciating in early February? Something blooming? Emerging from the soil? Clinging to life? Please share...

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