Olearia solandri

RHS Plant Profile
coastal daisy bush
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

An evergreen shrub up to 2m high, with a dense habit and clusters of small, linear heather-like leaves. Shoots and the undersides of leaves are felted with fine, yellowish hairs. Small, daisy-like, very fragrant pale yellow flowers are produced in late summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 8. Trim lightly to maintain a compact habit. Can tolerate hard pruning if necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)