Overview
Olearia virgata is a bushy, spreading branched shrubs in the genus Olearia, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Olearia virgata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include coastal gardens, hedging and screens, wildlife gardens, cottage and informal gardens and low maintenance gardens.
About
Olearia virgata is an evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Olearia, which includes evergreen shrubs, small trees, and herbaceous perennials with simple, leathery leaves and daisy-like flower heads. This cultivar has a bushy, spreading branched habit and thrives in full sun, ideally in south- or west-facing positions. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and grows well in well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils with a range of pH levels. Suitable for coastal gardens, hedging, wildlife gardens, and low maintenance areas, it is best propagated by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings and offers winter interest.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Olearia virgata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal gardens, Hedging and screens, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, Low maintenance gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Olearia virgata
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free, Susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Olearia virgata?
Olearia virgata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Olearia virgata need?
Olearia virgata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Olearia virgata hardy in the UK?
Olearia virgata 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 virgata?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
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