Botanical name:

Olearia ilicifolia

Common name(s):

Mountain holly

About:

This tree daisy is typically found in the mountainous regions that stretch from East Cape southward. The long, light green leaves of this plant have sharply toothed margins that closely resemble those of a holly. During the summer months, the bush is beautifully covered in clusters of bright white daisies, creating a striking visual display. It can grow to a height of approximately 6m and is particularly well-suited to thrive in colder areas where the climate is more temperate.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to subalpine - montane to subalpine in northern part of range but extending to lowland forest and scrub in South Island part of range. A species of shrub-lands, river flats and valley heads, also prominent on ridge lines in so called ‘cloud’ forest and ‘goblin forest’. A common riparian species in the montane river systems of the western South Island.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands from the Pukeamaru and Herangi Range south.

Height: 6m

Flowering: 

December – February with a white to yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

April - June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from semi-hardwood cuttings and fresh seed. Does best in a cool climate (dislikes hot or humid conditions). A beautiful small tree or shrub well suited to a rockery margin. Does best when planted in a semi-shaded, well drained, moist, humus enriched soil. Does not tolerate drying out.

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

** Seed can be slow to germinate, taking 9 – 12 months, often with a low germination rate.