Why not try Astelia nervosa 'Westland'.  A cultivar of 13 species recorded in New Zealand, this little beauty is compact in nature and is sure to provoke a mention in your garden.  Its rusty, gold, silver and bronze arching leaves and easy care nature will compliment your garden all year round.

It is suited to mass planting in almost all gardens from city beds and borders to coastal and rockeries.  Planted alongside schist and stone it is a sure knock out.  While remaining relatively small in a pot, you could try one at your front door.  Once set free in the garden it can reach 1 metre by 1 metre.  Its tolerance is high.  From the harshest of frosts Canterbury can throw at it, to the wind from an exposed coastal positioning, it will defy all.  YOu can happily leave this one unattended!  Astelia 'Westland' is available as a Hot 'n' Dry Solutionz.