Coastal tree daisy
Olearia solandri · Asteraceae
📷 Rudolph89 · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around coastal tree daisy and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, grey-green, fine and linear
- Flowering
- May to July, small white flowers in clusters
- Mature size
- 2.5 m tall, compact shrubby form
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Temperate zones, low hardiness in intense cold
- Origin
- New Zealand
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Once established (after 2 years), Olearia solandri needs little water: water only during prolonged dry spells. In containers, you can better control moisture levels.
The common mistake
Overwatering thinking you're doing the right thing, especially in spring: roots rot and the plant turns yellow, then declines before it even has a chance to flower.
The pro's trick
Plant on a small mound or gentle slope: this naturally creates superior drainage and prevents root suffocation problems.
Seasonal watch
Wet autumn: watch the foliage.
Care
Exposure
Place your Olearia in full sun to guarantee abundant flowering and a compact form. It tolerates partial shade reasonably well but flowers less generously. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Olearia needs little water once established. Water regularly for the first two years to promote rooting, then space out waterings. During dry periods, occasional watering is sufficient; it tolerates drought well.
Soil and drainage
Choose well-draining, light and slightly acidic soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils that cause root rot. Adding compost or organic matter at planting time improves soil structure.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense and balanced form. Remove dead or damaged wood in early spring. Gentle regular pruning is preferable to severe cutting, as the shrub regrows slowly.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth and flowering. Moderate feeding is sufficient; this plant is not demanding. In enriched soil, a single annual application is usually enough.
Diseases and pests
Olearia is generally healthy. Watch for scale insects or spider mites during prolonged dry periods. Excess moisture can promote fungal diseases; maintain good air circulation around the shrub.
Did you know?
Olearia takes its name from the Asteraceae plant family and its New Zealand origin. This robust shrub is highly valued in Mediterranean and coastal gardens for its remarkable ability to resist salt spray and strong winds, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.