Botanical name:

Celmisia monroi

Common name(s):

Monro’s mountain daisy

About:

Very similar to the stunning C. semicordata, this species exhibits slightly smaller and narrower leaves, forming clumps that reach heights of up to 30cm. The leaves are rather stiff and leathery, showcasing a silvery green colour on their upper surface while displaying a densely felted texture beneath. Stout flower stems, extending up to 60cm high, bear daisies that measure between 4 and 10cm in width. This species thrives in drier regions of Marlborough and southeastern Nelson, adapting well from sea level to elevations of 1500m. In a garden setting, it flourishes best in a sunny, well-drained location, although it can also tolerate partial shade. Notably, it is less susceptible to sudden collapse compared to C. semicordata.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to alpine. Found mainly in the drier parts of the north-eastern South Island (especially those areas within the rain shadow). This is a common of screes, fell-fields, narrow ledges on cliff faces, and rocky herb-fields. It is also found within tussock grassland where there is naturally dry ground such as where rock outcrop, or where thin skeletal soils have developed over bed rock. Near the coast it frequents limestone rocks

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island, from the Wairau River southwards to Kaikoura, Mount Tinline, near Hanmer and Lake Tennyson. Outlying populations are at Mole Tops and on ranges adjacent to Lake Rotoiti (Nelson). North of the Clarence River it occurs on coastal sites.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

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

Fruiting:

November – July

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown in a semi-shaded or sunny site, planted within a moist, free draining, soil. Dislikes humidity. 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. 4-6 weeks cold stratification is recommended though