Botanical name:

Celmisia holosericea

Common name(s):

Mountain daisy

About:

Found from coastal to lower alpine areas of Fiordland, this is a very attractive clump-forming species. The rather leathery leaves are green above and heavily felted beneath. Stalks up to 50cm high carry the large, finely raved daisies up to 7cm across. It can be grown in the rock garden or border in sun or shade and in a reasonable, moist soil. This species not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of gardens but also contributes to the local biodiversity. Ensuring it receives adequate moisture and the right light conditions will help it thrive and flourish in various garden settings.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland to lower subalpine rocky places, grassland, herb-fields.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Fiordland in New Zealand’s South Island.

Height: 50cm

Flowering:

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

Fruiting:

December – March

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Difficult. Can be grown from fresh seed but requires a shaded, permanently moist situation.

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