Botanical name:

Celmisia armstrongi

Common name(s):

Armstrong's Daisy, Lance Leaved Daisy

About:

A native herb characterised by its rigid, lance-like green leaves, which can reach lengths of up to 35cm, features distinct and striking orange-coloured bands that run along each side of the midrib. Each plant is capable of producing multiple white daisies, each blooming on its own individual stem. This resilient herb has the remarkable ability to thrive in a wide variety of environments, including challenging locations such as rock faces.

Natural habitat:

Montane to alpine. In high rainfall areas where it can be common in wet grassland and herb fields.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Clay, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

South Island only. From North-West Nelson (Heaphy-Gouland Downs area; Little Wanganui-Wangapeka; Mount Glasgow) south to near the head of Lake Wakatipu on Mount Bonpland. This species is most abundant west of the Main Divide.

Height: 50cm

Flowering:

November – February with a White or Yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January - April

Uses:

Bee food & Container friendly.

How to grow:

Easily grown in a shaded site, planted within a permanently moist, free draining, acidic soil. Dislikes humidity and will not tolerate drying out. Best grown from fresh seed which should be sown immediately or stratified in a fridge or freezer for 1-3 months

** 4 – 6 weeks cold stratification is recommended