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.
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.