About
A small evergreen shrub with narrowly oblong, strongly-toothed leaves to 10cm long, white-hairy beneath, and rounded clusters of small, white flowers in late spring.
About the genus
Olearia can be evergreen shrubs, small trees or herbaceous perennials, with simple, leathery, toothed or entire leaves and corymbs of daisy-like flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Under glass, use a peat-free, loam-based compost, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
PruningPruning group 8. Trim lightly to maintain a compact habit. If necessary olearia can be pruned back hard and will regenerate from old wood
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with extra heat from a propagating mat or propagator
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)