Propagation
Sow fresh seed in pots and in cold climates place in a cold frame to germinate.

Division of the clump during spring and reduce the foliage.


Botanic information
Leaf: The large leathery silvery green linear leaves are up to 100mm (4in) wide and are keeled and sheath at the base. The upper surface is green and the silvery underside is slightly pubescent with the leaf tending to fold towards the long acuminate apex.

Both surfaces are covered in close scales with a thin clear skin-like covering (pellicle) that peels away in strips on old leaves.

Flower: The small male tubulate flowers have reflexed tepals that form a short tube and the female has longer scaly tepals, appearing on a different plant (dioecious). They are arranged in a much branched panicle that is up to 300mm (1ft) tall and is held above the foliage on a scape that is up to 600mm (2ft) long. They appear during spring.

Fruit: The sub-globose fleshy berry has 1-3 cells and contains small black seeds that appear on female plants. The small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.