About
Olearia cheesemanii, Cheeseman's daisy bush, is a broadly columnar, evergreen shrub to 4 m with down-covered shoots, narrow, slightly toothed leaves to 9 cm, glossy dark-green above and buff-felted beneath. In late spring to early summer it produces branched clusters to 20 cm across of white, daisy-like flowerheads with yellow centres. An ornamental and reliable daisy bush for a sheltered, sunny garden.
About the genus
Olearia, the daisy bushes, are evergreen shrubs, small trees and occasionally herbaceous perennials from Australasia with simple, leathery, toothed or entire leaves and corymbs of daisy-like flowerheads, usually with white ray florets and yellow centres. Grown in sheltered, sunny gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toNew Zealand
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in coastal or mild gardens in well-drained soil in full sun; Olearias are very resistant to wind and are ideal for seaside gardens
PruningNo pruning required or Pruning group 8 (early-flowering evergreen shrubs)
PropagationPropagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by heeled hardwood cuttings of lateral shoots in a cold frame in early autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)