Olearia traversii
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Olearia traversii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Forests on Chatham 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. Fairly fast growing, reaching 2 metres within 6 years in a very exposed site at Rosewarne in Cornwall.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
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. This species is not very hardy in Britain, plants have succeeded outdoors at Kew but not at other inland sites. When grown by the coast, plants have also succeeded as far north as Scarborough on the east coast. Flowers best in years following long hot summers. Very tolerant of severe pruning, plants can be pruned right back into old wood in order to promote fresh growth. It is best to trim new growth by 50% each year for the first three years after planting in order to promote basal shoots. Any pruning is best done in the spring.
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: 8-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist