Overview
Celmisia mackaui is a perennial herb in the genus Celmisia, part of the Asteraceae family. Celmisia mackaui grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils. It is native to New Zealand South.
About
Celmisia mackaui is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae native to New Zealand South and adapted to exposed, alpine sites. It prefers well-drained, rocky or sandy soils and takes full sun or light shade. In the UK it flowers from June to August. Plant in a moist but free-draining spot to reflect its natural exposure.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Celmisia mackaui
About the genus
Celmisia is a genus of perennial herbs or subshrubs, in the family Asteraceae. Most of the species are endemic to New Zealand; several others are endemic to Australia.Species and nothospecies
Wikipedia contributors, "Celmisia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Celmisia
In the garden
A member of the mountain daisy group, Celmisia mackaui comes from the southern part of New Zealand and is suited to exposed, alpine conditions. Its origin in open, windy terrain means the species tolerates high light levels and demands excellent drainage rather than rich, heavy soil. Grow it in full sun or partial shade in a gritty, free-draining mix: a mineral-rich substrate with sand or grit and good drainage replicates its native rocky or sandy ground. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging; the combination "moist, well-drained" is preferable to constant saturation. Position plants where wind and sun can keep foliage dry and reduce fungal risk. In the UK this plant is best used in rock gardens, alpine troughs and gravel beds where soil is lean and drainage is reliable. It also suits raised, well-drained banks and crevices in stone walls. Because it comes from exposed alpine sites on New Zealand South, give it a sunny, open pocket of gritty soil rather than a sheltered, heavy border.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Celmisia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, rocky, sandy
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Exposure
- exposed, alpine
Plant details
Celmisia mackaui size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Native to
- New Zealand South
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Celmisia mackaui
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Celmisia mackaui?
Celmisia mackaui prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and alpine positions.
What soil does Celmisia mackaui need?
Celmisia mackaui is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, rocky and sandy. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I propagate Celmisia mackaui?
Seed, division.
More in the Celmisia genus
- Celmisia coriaceaNew Zealand cotton plant
- Celmisia coriacea 'Stricta'New Zealand aster
- Celmisia densiflora
- Celmisia hookeri
- Celmisia monroirock cotton plant, Monro's mountain daisy
- Celmisia rigida
- Celmisia semicordata subsp. semicordata
- Celmisia spectabiliscotton daisy
