Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
ShrubsTreesSynonym

Olearia traversii

ake-ake

An upright evergreen shrub or small tree to a height of up to 10m. It has small green oval-shaped leaves that are white and downy underneath. In early spring, unspectacular dull white flowers are borne.

Synonyms
Olearia traversii

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White
Summer White Green White
Autumn Green White
Winter Green White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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 a sunny position in well-drained soil. Makes a good windbreak or hedge in coastal areas

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings from summer to autumn Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 8. In freestanding specimens allow to develop naturally. To keep within bounds, cut out one third to half of the previous year's growth after flowewring. If required, can be hard pruned and will regenerate well from low down

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.