Botanical name:

Celmisia bellidioides

Common name(s):

Green cushion mountain daisy

About:

A mat-forming plant characterised by low rosettes of small, shiny green leathery leaves. It bears little resemblance to the celmisia species until small white daisies bloom in the summer. This species is commonly found in the damp areas of the subalpine and alpine regions of the South Island. It thrives in moist, gritty, and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens or alpine houses.

Natural habitat:

Montane to subalpine in wet rocky and gravelly places in gorges and along stream-sides. Often near waterfalls.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island from Nelson and Marlborough to Southland.

Height: 5cm

Flowering:

November - February with a white, yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December – March

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Difficult. Best grown from fresh seed. Can be grown by dividing established plants. Does best in a shaded site planted within a permanently moist, free draining soil.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though