Olearia x haastii
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Olearia x haastii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
A naturally occurring hybrid, O. avicenniifolia x O. moschata.
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 makes a good dwarf hedge that rarely exceeds 2 metres in height.
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 and atmospheric pollution. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -15°c, succeeding outdoors at Kew but liable to be cut back to the ground in severe winters. It is perfectly hardy, however, in the mild maritime areas of Britain. Plants flower best in years that follow long hot summers. Can be pruned right back into old wood in order to promote fresh growth. Any pruning is best done in the spring. It is best to trim new growth of young plants by 50% each year for the first three years after planting in order to promote basal shoots.
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. This species is a hybrid and so will not breed true from seed. 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, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist