About
Olearia solandri, the coastal daisy bush, is an evergreen shrub to 2 m with dense, upright stems bearing small, linear, heath-like leaves. In late summer and early autumn it produces very fragrant, pale-yellow, daisy-like flowerheads. Shoots and leaf undersides are felted with fine, yellowish hairs. A rewarding, fragrant daisy bush for a sheltered, sunny, coastal 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toNew Zealand
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Thrives in chalky soils and handles coastal exposure well. In areas with hard winters, grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter
PruningPruning group 8. Trim lightly to maintain a compact habit. Can tolerate hard pruning if necessary
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)