Lindsay’s Daisy

Botanical name: Celmisia lindsayi
Synonyms: None known
Common name(s): Lindsay’s Daisy, Lindsay’s Mountain Daisy

About:
A robust coastal mountain daisy forming broad low patches of glossy green foliage with silvery-white undersides. Unlike many alpine Celmisia, this species naturally grows on coastal rocks, cliffs and shaded rock stacks. Its white daisy flowers and tough leathery leaves make it a distinctive and highly ornamental southern species.

Natural habitat:
Coastal rocks, shaded cliff faces, rock stacks, tors and exposed or sheltered coastal bluffs.

Growing environment:
Prefers cool coastal conditions, partial shade, reliable moisture and very free-draining soil. Tolerates wind and salt exposure but dislikes hot, humid conditions and prolonged drying out.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Restricted to the south-eastern South Island, from the mouth of the Clutha River to Waikaia.

Height:
100–250 mm

Width:
Forms spreading patches up to 2 m across.

Flowering:
October–March

Fruiting:
November–May

Uses:

• Coastal rock gardens
• Shaded rock walls
• Alpine and native plant collections
• Cool-climate gardens
• Specialist conservation planting
• Groundcover for rocky sites

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Low-growing robust subshrub with stout creeping or ascending woody stems, forming broad mats and patches.

Leaves:
Narrow-oblong to elliptic leathery leaves, 100–150 mm long. Upper surfaces are glossy green and hairless, while undersides are densely covered in white satiny tomentum. The dark midrib is prominent beneath.

Flowers:
White daisy flowers 25–50 mm across with yellow centres, held on slender slightly flexuous stems above the foliage.

Fruit:
Produces narrow wind-dispersed seeds with fine pappus hairs.

Ecology:
A coastal specialist adapted to rocky maritime habitats. Its mats help stabilise crevices and exposed rocky soil, while flowers provide nectar and pollen for native insects.

Associated habitats:
Coastal cliffs, rocky stacks, shaded tors, south-facing bluffs, exposed coastal rockland and cool maritime shrubland.

How to grow:
Plant in a cool, partially shaded position with permanently moist but very free-draining soil. Best suited to southern New Zealand climates, shaded rock gardens and raised beds. Avoid hot dry sites and stagnant humidity.

Propagation:
Best grown from fresh seed. Established plants can also be divided carefully, though divisions should be kept moist and shaded while re-establishing.

Cultural use:
A distinctive member of New Zealand’s coastal alpine daisy flora, valued for its rarity and adaptation to southern maritime rock habitats.

Garden value:
An excellent specialist plant for cool coastal gardens, shaded rockeries and alpine collections. Its glossy green leaves, silver undersides and bright white flowers provide strong year-round texture and seasonal display.