Armstrong’s Daisy

Botanical name: Celmisia armstrongii
Synonyms: None known
Common name(s): Armstrong’s Daisy, Lance-leaved Daisy

About:
A striking alpine mountain daisy forming dense carpets or clusters of rosettes. It is recognised by its long lance-shaped leaves with distinctive orange-brown bands running alongside the midrib. In summer it produces large white daisy flowers on tall stems above the foliage. It is one of the most attractive large-leaved Celmisia species and thrives in cool, moist mountain environments.

Natural habitat:
Montane and alpine grasslands, herbfields, alpine meadows, seepages and open mountain slopes in high-rainfall regions.

Growing environment:
Prefers cool conditions, consistent moisture, acidic free-draining soils and protection from prolonged summer heat. Best grown in full sun in cooler districts or light shade in warmer areas. Does not tolerate drying out or humid conditions.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found throughout the western South Island from north-west Nelson south to the head of Lake Wakatipu, mainly west of the Main Divide.

Height:
300–500 mm (flower stems to 350 mm)

Width:
300–800 mm

Flowering:
November–February

Fruiting:
January–April

Uses:

• Alpine gardens
• Rock gardens
• Moist mountain-style plantings
• Native alpine collections
• Raised beds
• Feature foliage plant

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Woody-based perennial forming irregular carpets or clusters of rosettes from a hidden branching stock.

Leaves:
Long, rigid lance-shaped leaves 120–400 mm long. Upper surfaces bronze-green with a conspicuous orange-brown stripe beside the midrib. Undersides densely covered in silvery-white felted hairs. Margins strongly recurved.

Flowers:
Large white daisy flowers with bright yellow centres borne singly on stems up to 350 mm tall. Flower stems are covered in soft white hairs.

Fruit:
Produces wind-dispersed seeds equipped with a tuft of fine bristles.

Ecology:
A characteristic species of wet alpine grasslands and herbfields. Its seeds are dispersed by wind, allowing it to spread across open mountain habitats.

Associated habitats:
Snow tussock grasslands, alpine herbfields, mountain wetlands, seepages, subalpine meadows and open rocky slopes.

How to grow:
Plant in permanently moist but free-draining soil rich in organic matter. Choose a cool site with excellent drainage and avoid hot, dry positions. Mulching with gravel around the crown helps reduce rot and maintain good airflow.

Propagation:
Best grown from fresh seed. Seed benefits from cold stratification for 4–6 weeks before sowing. Established plants can occasionally be divided with care.

Cultural use:
A valued member of New Zealand’s alpine flora and a popular species among native plant collectors due to its distinctive foliage and large flowers.

Garden value:
One of the most ornamental mountain daisies, combining bold foliage, unique orange leaf markings and large white flowers. An outstanding feature plant for alpine gardens, rockeries and cool-climate native plantings.