About

A low-growing evergreen shrub, spreading wider than high, rarely more than 1m in cultivation. Young shoots and stems are thickly clad in white or pale brown felting, though the simple, ovate leaves, which are 7-12cm long, become glossy dark green above when they mature. Flowerheads are solitary, borne on stalks 10-20cm long from shoot tips or upper leaf axils. The heads are daisy-like, to 7cm across, with pure white ray florets surrounding a dense yellow disc, surrounded by a striking egg-shaped felted involucre.

About the genus

Pachystegia are relatively dwarf evergreen shrubs that originate from New Zealand. They were previously included within Olearia

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toNew Zealand (S.Island)

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally problem free