Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Daisy Bush

Native to Australia and New Zealand, this genus includes around 100 species of evergreen shrubs and trees, grown for their silky foliage and pretty clusters of daisy-like flowers. Many make good shelter plants for seaside gardens. Different species have their origins in a wide range of habitats and conditions so there is one 10 suit almost any situation.

Species

Not all species will be available outside their native countries.

O. argophylla, musk daisy bush, is a small tree, native to south-eastern Australia, with large leaves and clusters of white flowers. It grows 3-8 m (10-26 ft) high.

O. chathamica, a native of New Zealand, is a very pretty species suitable for growing in cold areas. It reaches about 2 m (6 ft) high, with felted leaves, woolly underneath, and dense clusters of pale mauve flowers with deep purple centers.

O. cheesemanii, also from New Zealand, grows to 3 m (10 ft), with shiny, green leaves covered in silky hairs on the undersides and a profusion of white flowers.

O. lirata, snow daisy bush, from eastern Australia, is a tall shrub, to 6 m (20 ft), bearing a mass of white blooms during flowering.

O. phlogopappa, Otway daisy hush, from south-eastern Australia, grows to 2 m (6 ft) high. The leaves are narrow and the small flowers, in white, pink, lilac, blue or purple, completely cover the bush in spring.

O. pimeloides, from all states of Australia except Tasmania, is a rounded shrub which grows 1 m (3 ft) in height and width and bears large, white, single-stemmed flowers.

O. ramulosa, from all states of Australia except Western Australia, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with clusters of small, white flowers.

O. teretifolia, from south-eastern and southern Australia, grows to 1.5 m (5 ft), with clusters of small, white or pale blue flowers.

O. tomentosa, from south-eastern Australia, is a compact shrub, less than 1 m (3 ft) high, with large, white or blue flowers.

Cultivation

Daisy bushes thrive on almost any type of soil, as long as it is well drained. Most prefer a position in full sun, although some will take a little shade. Keep plants well mulched with leaf litter or compost, making sure that the mulch is well clear of the stems. Avoid digging close to the plants, otherwise their surface roots may be damaged. Plants should be pruned reg­ularly after flowering. Propagate from seed or strike from cuttings taken from late spring to early autumn.

Climate

Zone 8.