Arthropodium Cirratum 'Pink Stars'

New Zealand Rock Lily / Renga Lily

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

Overview

A graceful, evergreen Renga Lily with soft, arching foliage and airy sprays of blush-pink, starry flowers through late spring and summer. Arthropodium cirratum ‘Pink Stars’ thrives in Adelaide’s dry-shade and coastal conditions, offering elegant colour where many plants struggle. Its tidy habit, drought tolerance, and long blooming season make it an excellent choice for mass planting beneath trees, shaded courtyards, or containers in South Australian gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.45–0.6 m H × 0.5–0.8 m W (foliage); flower stems to 0.8–1.0 m
• Growth Rate: 15-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Broad, mid- to deep-green strappy leaves forming neat mounds; slightly softer habit than white forms
• Flowers: Clusters of soft pink star-shaped blooms with yellow stamens, lightly fragrant; late spring to summer
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage with a delicate pink floral display in late spring–summer; adds lightness and movement to shaded gardens
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and pollinating insects; foliage provides light shelter for beneficial ground wildlife
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat and wind tolerant, second-line coastal suitable; Handles light frost (common in Adelaide Hills and southern suburbs); protect from black frosts
• Planting Density: Borders / Edging: 3 per metre (≈ 30–40 cm centres); Mass Planting: 4–6 plants per m² for dense coverage; Containers: 30–40 cm pots (allow room to spread and divide every few years)
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ingestion of foliage may cause mild tummy upset in some pets)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Part shade to shade (morning sun or dappled light ideal for Adelaide; avoid harsh afternoon sun)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with organic matter; avoid waterlogged winter clays
• 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 after blooming and trim tired leaves as needed. Top-dress with compost or organic mulch each spring. Feed lightly with a low-phosphorus fertiliser. Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigour.
• Lifespan: 5–10+ years with basic care; easily renewed by division
• Climate Zones: Perfect for temperate and Mediterranean regions across South Australia – thrives on Adelaide plains, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, and coastal gardens
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; tolerates slightly acidic conditions in well-drained soil

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Mass under trees or in dry shade to create a soft, evergreen carpet
• Edge paths and garden beds with lush strappy texture
• Pair with ferns, lomandra, or native grasses for a natural understorey look
• Feature in containers or alfresco spaces for delicate pink colour and fine texture
• Excellent for low-water, shaded coastal gardens

Why You Will Love It

‘Pink Stars’ adds a fresh and feminine touch to dry, shady spots around Adelaide. Its soft pink blooms, glossy leaves, and low-maintenance nature make it a reliable performer for both coastal and inland South Australian gardens.