Dusty Daisy Bush
Olearia phlogopappa is perhaps the most widely grown of all of the Australian olearia species. This is a small shrub found in Victoria, Tasmania and into New South Wales. Also known as the Alpine Daisy Bush and it will reach around 2m in height if left unpruned.
Flower colour ranges from white through to pinks and mauve, and flowering time is from spring right through until late summer. So with round 5 months of flowers, it makes a valuable addition to the garden.
Sometimes called the Dusty Daisy Bush, although easier to find under its proper name. A named variety ‘White Gem’ is available although we do prefer the vibrant colours of the mauve varieties sometimes known as ‘Blue Gem’
How to grow Olearia phlogopappa
This is a species that prefers a moist well drained soil, think of an open area in a forest with some moisture.
It is frost tolerant and will grow in full sun, but best with some protection from the heat of the afternoon sun.
- Choose a position in good morning sun with some light or dapples afternoon shade.
- Plant in a humus rich well drained neural to slightly alkaline soil.
- Water in well when first planting.
- Much lightly around the plant.
- A little extra water during the establishment period may be required.
Being a plant that naturally grows in moist soils, watering will be required during dry summer months. Mulching around the plant will also be beneficial.
Plant at around 1m apart.
Pruning
You should prune the plant after flowering to encourage bushy habit and more flowers. Prune from the first season after flowering leaving some new growth on each stem as this is plant that does not freely shoot from older wood.
Many gardeners find that picking stems of flowers during the season from early spring onwards is an excellent way of pruning and having cut flowers at the same time.
Hard pruning can be carried out if needed, however plant may not recover, so take some cuttings and grow them on first..
Propagation
If you can obtain fresh seed and use a smoke treatment propagation from seed is possible. Best sown in autumn.
It is easier to grow this one from cuttings.