Gardening with Gael - Renga renga lily ideal for borders and banks

 

A very good friend of mine last year dug out all the agapanthus growing down her rather long drive. It was no mean feat. In their place she planted a border of Arthropodium cirratum commonly known as renga renga lilies. A background of shrubs shelter the plants for half the day and last spring they were a stunning display – a cloud of white flowers all down the drive. Being related to the owners of Mangawhai Natives possibly influenced her decision.

Able to cope well in dry coastal areas, renga renga lilies are well suited to the gardens in this area and make an excellent alternative to bromeliads, which enjoy much the same conditions. A versatile low maintenance plant, renga renga lilies grow well in shady areas. Jess from Mangawhai Natives says they had some growing in full sun, and although they did okay once they divided and moved them to an area with dappled light, they have, and I quote, ‘pumped’. Both Jess and her mother Katy report no problems with snails either. Katy says the soil down her drive is ‘rubbish’ clay subsoil, whereas Jess has planted hers in sand. A very undemanding plant it appears.

Renga renga lilies are clump forming. Their soft green arched leaves create a drooping effect and the only disadvantage of these plants is that occasionally they can show some snail damage. In spring the plant sends up tall spikes that produce masses of starry white flowers. The larger the clump the more flower spikes. A profusion of these flowers have inspired me to create a waterfall effect on a steep bit of bank between two pohutukawa trees adjacent to the White Walk up at the Block. I have been peering at this bank for some time waiting for inspiration. Renga renga lilies will be just what I have been looking for. 

The soil is clay loam and because the bank is steep I have cut several small terraces into it. I like plants on flat surfaces. When it is dry midsummer the flat areas collect whatever moisture there is. Mulching and feeding is easier as well if there is a flat area around the plant. My little terraces aren’t much more than ten centimeters wide, just enough to balance on when planting and enough to hold weed-suppressing mulch. Looking up between the trees I hope come spring I will have created the foam of water I imagine. 

Renga renga lilies are available from most nurseries, including the market or they can be easily divided from existing clumps. I have some in the garden at the Heads, which will be transferred up to the Block garden. Dig out the clump and then gently tease the plant apart, very different from dividing agapanthus which survive a brutal chop with a spade. Each division can be planted and will form a new clump.

Arthropodium bifurcatum ‘Matapouri Bay’ is another type of renga renga lily. This variety can also be used for coastal planting and enjoys the same situation as the common renga renga lily. The difference is the leaves are broader, giving the plant a lusher look and have a slightly more bluish hue. Box’s brother has mass planted some and he says that he has no trouble at all from slugs or snails. 

If you have some in the garden, now is the time for a clean up. Pull off any scruffy old foliage at the base of the plant. Dig up and divide if necessary. Then maybe some food to encourage a wonderful display come spring.

Renga renga lilies produce a spray of late spring and summer flowers that also look great in vases.