Botanical name:

Olearia solandri

Common name(s):

Coastal tree daisy

About:

This is a coastal shrub that can be found thriving in environments ranging from North Cape to the upper parts of the South Island. It typically grows to a height of 3 to 4m and possesses stiff, angular branches that are somewhat sticky to the touch and are covered with a fine yellowish tomentum. The narrow leaves of this shrub are very small in size, displaying a dark green colour on their upper side while the underside is adorned with the same soft yellow tomentum. During the autumn season, the small flower-heads appear singly along the branchlets, emanating a mild and pleasant fragrance that adds to the overall appeal of this coastal plant.

Natural habitat:

Dry, exposed, coastal areas North from the northern South Island.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and the northern South Island.

Height: 4m

Flowering: 

February - May with a light purple to white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

April - June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Shelter belts and Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. Tolerates coastal conditions and is useful as a quick-growing shelter.

** 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.