Arthropodium Cirratum 'Matapouri Bay'

New Zealand Rock Lily / Renga Lily

Botanical Name: Arthropodium cirratum ‘Matapouri Bay’
Family: Asparagaceae (Lomandroideae)
Origin: New Zealand (coastal/forest margins)
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial (grass & strappy)

Overview

A tough, shade-tolerant NZ rock lily with broad, glossy, strappy leaves forming neat clumps and airy sprays of white, starry flowers in late spring–summer (lightly scented). Great for mass planting, understorey, borders and containers; copes well with coastal conditions and dry shade once established.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.5–0.7 m H × 0.6–1.0 m W (foliage); flower stems to 0.9–1.2 m
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Broad, mid- to deep-green, softly arching, tidy clumps
• Flowers: White, starry panicles (late spring–summer), lightly fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen mounds; showy flower wands in late spring–summer
• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Borders/edging: 3 per metre (≈ 30–40 cm centres); Mass planting: 4–6 plants/m²; Containers: 30–40 cm pots; divide or up-pot as clumps thicken
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs (ingestion of any foliage may upset tummies)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Part shade to shade (handles morning sun; flowers best with some light)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; enrich with organic matter
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Remove spent flower stems at the base; trim tatty leaves; top-dress with compost; low-P, balanced feed in spring if needed; divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate
• Lifespan: 5–10+ years with basic care
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, including sheltered coastal coastal areas
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slightly acidic–slightly alkaline)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Mass under trees and in dry shade for a lush, low-maintenance carpet
• Edge paths and borders; weave between stepping stones for soft, strappy texture
• Feature in containers/courtyards; great coastal or poolside accent with grasses and succulents

Why You Will Love It

Handsome strappy foliage and clouds of white flowers with very low fuss, thriving in those tricky dry, shady SA spots where many others struggle.