The Marlbourough Rock Daisy
From New Zealand Pachystegia insignis is commonly called the ‘Marlborough Rock Daisy’, a low growing evergreen shrub with attractive rounded silvery green foliage with a lighter velvety underside and a strong white central vein. The leave are thick and leathery and the plant puts down a long tap root which assists with drought tolerance.
The common name gives it all away, its from the Malborough region of New Zealand and it grows in rocky areas. This is an area with a Mediteranean climate, winter rainfall and warm summers.
This is a hardy plant given the right care and will reward the gardener with attractive foliage year round and a wonderful show of flowers. This is the most commonly grown of the genus which includes P.rufa and P. minor.
Masses of single daisy like flowers from late spring through summer are a brilliant white with yellow centers appear above the foliage and are a standout through the season. The flowers themselves are not long lasting, however this really is a foliage plant, and a mature specimen is magnificent year round.
The foliage is large, glossy, and with felt like indumentum on the underside its a plant that like a mediterranean type climate. Winter rainfall and a warm summer. Best in a protected position with a little shelter from hot afternoon sun. However it does not like humidity, in fact it struggles in very humid conditions.
How To Grow Pachystegia insignis Care
A well drained soil is essential and Pachystegia insignis or ‘Marlborough Rock Daisy’ grows well in the rock garden as its name suggests. Will reach around .5 – .7m in height in most conditions although in an ideal position it can get to twice this size, with a similar spread. P. minor is a smaller growing species.
Consider a rock garden or crevice garden which will mimic the natural environment.
Although the ‘Marlborough Rock Daisy’ can be grown in containers because of the tap root it is best in the garden.
Try building up the soil with a few rocks if you dont have a rock garden as such, and definitely plant it in its permanent position as it really resents being transplanted because of the long tap root..
In Australia a position in full sun to afternoon shade is best, certainly with some protection from the hot afternoon sun in summer, but good morning sun and winter sun is essential. Excellent in coastal gardens, tolerates windy conditions and light frosts.
Maintenance and Propagation
Maintenance is minimal, which adds to its appeal in low-care gardens. Lightly trim after flowering if needed to keep the shape compact, and remove spent flower stems and any dead or damaged growth. Feeding is rarely necessary in open, rocky soils, but a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring can be used in poorer sites.
One of the reasons that this wonderful plant is not readily available is that propagation can be challenging.
Viable seed is limited and seedlings are slow and prone to damping off, while cuttings can be difficult to root. For most gardeners, buying established plants is the most reliable way to enjoy this distinctive shrub in the garden. If you want give it a go, here is our propagation guide.
Propagation Guide
Take semi-ripe or semi-hardwood cuttings from side shoots in late summer or early summer, selecting pieces with at least two to three nodes for best rooting success. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, plant into a sterile, well-draining mix like perlite and peat, and cover with plastic domes or trays to maintain humidity under diffused light. Keep the medium moist but not wet to avoid rot, and use bottom heat if available; roots form in weeks, but overwinter cuttings dry and frost-protected as they are prone to damping off.
Seed propagation is trickier due to low viability—fresh seed heads may germinate better with frequent watering, but expect slow, tiny seedlings vulnerable to damping off. For reliable results, buy established plants unless you have propagation experience.
Planting Ideas
This is a fairly low growing plant needs to be near the front of the garden border. AND if you consider that the ‘Marlborough Rock Daisy’ prefers hot and dry as well as coastal conditions, it becomes easier to find suitable companion plants. So here are some suggestions….
Stipa gigantea
Dymondia margareta
NOT READILY AVAILABLE
So why is this not a plant found widely in gardens? It is difficult to propagate, so nurserymen have to be very enthusiastic about it to persevere.