Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Scabweed or cushion plant

This genus comprises 25 species of dwarf, carpeting plants, most originating from New Zealand. They have a neat, compact growth habit, forming thick cushions of silky, silvery white foliage. The small, daisy-type flowers in yellow or white appear in spring or summer. Raoulias make lovely rock garden ornamentals for cooler climates.

Species

R. australis, golden scabweed, makes a carpet of silvery foliage, spread over 25 cm (10 in). In summer it produces tiny, fluffy yellow blooms.

R. eximia is a cushion-forming plant, to a height of 35 cm (14 in) and a spread of 1 m (3 ft). The velvety, white foliage is in the form of tiny rosettes.

R. glabra, a smaller, cushion-forming plant, spreading to only 40 cm (16 in), has green foliage and small, white or yellow flowers.

R. haastii spreads cushion-like to 1 m (3 ft) across, with hairy, light green foliage, turning chocolate brown from winter through to spring.

R. mammillaris, vegetable sheep, forms rounded, dense, white cushions, to 50 cm (20 in) across. The tiny, white flowers are sunk deep in the foliage.

R. subsericea is a prostrate, mat-forming perennial, with silvery foliage, tinted pale green and gold, and tiny, white flowers. 'Fhe stems creep and strike roots.

R. tenuicaulis is a mat-forming plant, to 1 m (3 ft) across, with creeping stems, white foliage and tiny, yellow flowers.

Cultivation

These alpine plants require perfect drainage and a sunny situation, and will not do well in humid climates. Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic soil that has been well composted. Propagate by division in spring or by young rosettes treated as cuttings in the summer. Root them in a shaded garden frame.

Climate

Zone 7.