Olearia erubescens

RHS Plant Profile
moth daisy bush
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

An evergreen shrub to 1.5m high, with an upright habit and lance-shaped, toothed, glossy dark green leaves to 4cm long. Leaves have silvery white hairs on the undersides, sometimes rusty red when young. Daisy-like white flowers are produced along the previous year's growth, forming long, leafy clusters in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

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

How to Grow

Cultivation

In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Thrives in chalky soils and handles coastal exposure well. In areas prone to frosts, grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, or in a sheltered spot 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
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • 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)