Botanical name:

Olearia paniculata

Common name(s):

Akiraho, golden akeake

About:

An attractive shrub or small tree, this species features shiny yellow-green leaves adorned with wavy margins and soft white or beige tomentum undersides. Its dense and fast-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for creating a great hedge or providing low shelter, particularly in dry, exposed sites where other plants might struggle. In summer, the plant bursts into bloom, showcasing vanilla-scented, creamy white flowers that add a delightful fragrance to the garden atmosphere.

Natural habitat:

Often found in dry woodland plant communities or coastal montane forests that include but are not limited to Pittosporum tenuifolium, Discaria toumatou, Melicytus alpinus, Poa cita, and Muehlenbeckia axillari.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Wind & tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North & South Islands mainly in the east from East Cape to south Canterbury

Height: 3m

Flowering: 

Summer with a white white/cream coloured flower/s

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging & Shelter belts.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or cuttings.

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