Overview
Celmisia monroi is a perennial herb in the genus Celmisia, part of the Asteraceae family. Celmisia monroi grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils. Suggested uses include rock gardens and alpine gardens. It is native to New Zealand South.
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 perennial herb of the daisy family, Celmisia monroi comes from the southern part of New Zealand and is at home on exposed, rocky ground. In its native range it occupies alpine areas and south-facing slopes, so it is adapted to open, windy sites with good drainage. Flowering takes place from June to August. Give Celmisia monroi full sun or partial shade and a gritty, free-draining substrate; the soil should be moist but well-drained rather than waterlogged. It performs best where roots are kept cool and dry through winter by sharp drainage, so incorporate coarse grit or gravel into planting mixes and avoid heavy, compacted soils. Shelter from deep shade will help the plant maintain an open habit. In a UK garden place it in a rock garden or an alpine bed, ideally on a south-facing rockery or raised scree to replicate its natural aspect. Use a shallow planting hole and avoid planting too deep to prevent winter damp around the crown. Positioning the crowns above surrounding soil on a slope or raised bed reduces the risk of prolonged winter wet.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Celmisia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, rocky, alpine soil
- Soil moisture
- moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- south-facing slopes, alpine areas
- Exposure
- exposed, alpine conditions
Plant details
Celmisia monroi size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, alpine gardens
- Native to
- New Zealand South
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Celmisia monroi
- Cultivation
- requires well-drained soil, prefers cool alpine conditions
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Celmisia monroi?
Requires well-drained soil, prefers cool alpine conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Celmisia monroi?
Celmisia monroi prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and alpine conditions positions.
What soil does Celmisia monroi need?
Celmisia monroi is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, rocky and alpine soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I propagate Celmisia monroi?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Celmisia genus
- Celmisia coriaceaNew Zealand cotton plant
- Celmisia coriacea 'Stricta'New Zealand aster
- Celmisia mackauiAkaroa daisy
- Celmisia rigida
- Celmisia spectabiliscotton daisy
- Celmisia hookeri