‘Matapouri Bay’ – The Renga Renga Lily
It is Arthropodium cirratum ‘Matapouri Bay’ that is the best known variety of this ornamental strap leafed grass like plant. Commonly known as the Renga Renga Lily, Arthropodium cirratum is one the best landscaping plants for dry shade.
Evergreen, growing well in poor soils and coping with both dry and wet conditions. With broad strap like foliage A. cirratum grows well in all soils as long as drainage is good. The flowers that appear in summer are attractive and rise above the foliage in sprays.
Landscaping Uses.
Used widely in commercial landscaping where a low care plant is needed for shade. Useful as a border or edging plant and well suited to mass planting as a permanent ground cover.
With its lush green foliage,Arthropodium cirratum can be used to underplant a range of taller plants to help create a tropical looking area in the garden.
How to Grow Arthropodium cirratum – Basic Care
Best planted in a humus-rich soil in light shade, Arthropodium cirratum is particularly useful for those difficult dry-shade positions where many other flowering perennials struggle.
- Dig in some well-rotted compost before planting.
- Ensure the position is well drained.
- Plants should be watered in well after planting.
- A liquid seaweed fertiliser can be used when establishing new plants.
- Additional water may be required through the first summer.
- Once established, plants are reasonably drought tolerant.
- Fertilise with a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser in spring.
- Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and reduce competition from weeds.
- Tidy up by removing old or damaged foliage as it appears.
- Watch for snails, especially on young plants.
Position
Arthropodium cirratum is one of the useful plants for dry shade. It will grow in light shade and filtered light and can also cope with sunnier positions where adequate moisture is available.
Under established trees, where soil can be dry because of competition from tree roots, it can be a particularly useful choice once established.
The evergreen foliage also makes it useful as a year-round groundcover or edging plant.
Soil
A humus-rich, well-drained soil is ideal. The plant is adaptable and can cope with a range of soil types provided drainage is reasonable.
Adding compost or other well-rotted organic matter before planting will help improve the soil and give young plants a good start.
Watering and Drought Tolerance
Water newly planted Arthropodium cirratum regularly while it establishes, particularly through the first summer.
Once established, it is quite dry tolerant and can cope with dry shade, making it particularly valuable in low-maintenance gardens. ‘Matapouri Bay’ is also noted for its ability to tolerate dry conditions once established. Although drought tolerant, plants will generally look their best with some moisture during prolonged hot and dry periods.
Varieties
- A. cirratum Matapouri Bay
- A. cirratum White Knight – Taller growing with a touch of Purple in the flowers.
Arthropodium cirratum Matapouri Bay Summary Information
- Height – To around 1 Metre in height.
- Spread – To around .5m however clump forming over time.
- Position – Morning sun, filtered light or dappled shade.
- Soil – Humus rich well drained although not fussy.
- Flowers – White.
- Foliage – Mid Green
- Flowering time – Summer
- Frost tolerance – Medium once established
- Coastal conditions – Suited.
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.