Botanical name:

Celmisia densiflora 

Common name(s):

Mountain daisy

About:

A visually appealing clump-forming species, characterised by its narrow oblong leaves that are a rich deep green on the surface and felted underneath. The leaves feature fine wavy edges with slight teeth. The robust flowering stems can reach heights of up to 30cm. This species thrives in the drier alpine regions situated east of the main divide, spanning from northern Canterbury to Southland. It requires gritty, well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Natural habitat:

Montane to subalpine. Inhabiting grassland, herb-field, fell-field and open subalpine shrub-land.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island, from southern Marlborough and North Canterbury south to northern Southland.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

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

Fruiting:

December - April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

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.

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