Botanical name:

Olearia nummularifolia

Common name(s):

Tree Daisy

About:

A quite different type of tree daisy, characterised by its unique twiggy dense growth, features small, spoon-shaped yellowish-green leaves that have a soft buff tomentum on their undersides. The attractive daisies that bloom from spring through autumn are of secondary importance when compared to the striking foliage effect provided by the shrub. This particular subalpine shrub can be found flourishing in both main islands of New Zealand. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5m and thrives in dry, open environments, where it can reach its full potential.

Natural habitat:

Found in alpine dry and open situations (from 600–1,400m) , throughout New Zealand descending to lowlands in the southern part of its range.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand’s North & South Islands

Height: 1.5m

Flowering: 

November – March with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – June

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from semi-hardwood cuttings and fresh seed. Prefers a dry open site.

** 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.