Overview
Olearia macrodonta is a bushy shrubs in the genus Olearia, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Olearia macrodonta grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal, beds and borders, mediterranean, cottage/informal, hedging/screens, low maintenance, wallside and trellises and wind-breaker.
About
Olearia macrodonta (mountain holly or arorangi in New Zealand, or New Zealand holly elsewhere) is a small sub-alpine evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand, from the plant family Asteraceae. It is closely related to the narrow-leaved Olearia ilicifolia, with which it shares several characteristics including largely undulating and serrated grey-green leaves. These common characteristics mean the two species are often confused with one another. It is found in lowland to sub-alpine forests from the East Cape of the North Island of New Zealand southwards throughout the South Island and Stewart Island, at 450–1,200 metres (1,480–3,940 ft) in altitude. It grows to around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Olearia macrodonta
About the genus
Olearia, most commonly known as daisy-bush, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae, the largest of the flowering plant families in the world. Olearia are found in Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand. The genus includes herbaceous plants, shrubs and small trees.
Wikipedia contributors, "Olearia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Olearia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Olearia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Olearia macrodonta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wallside and trellises, Wind-breaker
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Olearia macrodonta
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Olearia macrodonta?
Olearia macrodonta prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Olearia macrodonta need?
Olearia macrodonta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Olearia macrodonta grow?
Olearia macrodonta reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Olearia macrodonta hardy in the UK?
Olearia macrodonta has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Olearia macrodonta?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
More in the Olearia genus
Browse all Olearia →
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