Botanical name:

Celmisia hectori

Common name(s):

Hector’s daisy

About:

A shrubby Celmisia, characterised by its low spreading habit, thrives in higher-rainfall areas from Mt Cook southward. This species features densely packed, narrow leaves that form rosettes, showcasing an intense silvery hue. The flower stalks are adorned with white tomentum, which adds to its visual appeal, bearing daisies that measure 2-3cm in width. Ideal for rock gardens or alpine houses, it requires a moist yet well-drained gritty soil and a sunny location to flourish.

Natural habitat:

Montane to subalpine grassland, herb-fields and rocky places

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island from about Mid Canterbury south

Height: 40cm

Flowering:

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

Fruiting:

November – April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Flowers

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and hardwood cuttings. Reasonably easy to grow but dislikes humidity and cannot tolerate drying out. Best grown in a rockery or within a pot in an alpine house.

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