Akeake
Olearia avicenniifolia

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Olearia avicenniifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Sub-alpine scrub to 1000 metres in South Island.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Very resistant to maritime exposure and tolerant of severe pruning, this plant can be used as an effective windbreak hedge in exposed maritime areas. It is rather slow growing though.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun. Thrives in a chalky soil but prefers a light loam or peaty soil. Very tolerant of maritime exposure. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. This species is not very hardy outside the milder western and south-western maritime areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c. Another report says that it is hardy to about -15°c. Very slow growing in Britain, the plants generally only reach 2 - 3 metres tall in cultivation in this country. Plants can be pruned right back into old wood in order to promote fresh growth. Any pruning is best done in the spring. Some named forms have been developed for their ornamental value. Flowers best in years following long hot summers. The flowers are sweetly scented.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in early spring in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. If growth has been sufficiently good, plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of the following year, otherwise grow them on for another year in pots and plant them out the following early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in late August and overwinter in a cold frame then plant out in late spring or early summer. Good percentage. Cuttings of moderately ripe wood of the current years growth, 5 - 10cm with a heel, November in a frame. High percentage.

Best place to grow: Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. albida. Hort. non Hook.f.