Rengarenga (rock lily) Arthropodium cirratum
Rengarenga (rock lily) (Arthropodium cirratum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Coastal North Island, New Zealand (endemic). It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Rengarenga (rock lily) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: cooked fleshy roots (traditional) |
| Native to | Coastal North Island, New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Rengarenga (rock lily) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rengarenga (rock lily)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Rengarenga (rock lily)
- How far apart should I plant Rengarenga (rock lily)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Rengarenga (rock lily) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rengarenga (rock lily) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Rengarenga (rock lily)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Rengarenga (rock lily) flower?
- From about November for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rengarenga (rock lily) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Rengarenga (rock lily)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rengarenga (rock lily). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Soft broad leaves and airy sprays of white starry flowers in early summer; a favourite under trees in NZ gardens. Snails love it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana