Olearia arborescens
Glossy tree daisy · Common tree daisy · Forest tree daisy
Description
Source: leafsnapOlearia arborescens, also known as common tree daisy is a common shrub or small tree of New Zealand. It grows in lowland to alpine scrubland in the North Island from East Cape southwards, and throughout the South and Stewart Islands. The leaves of the plant are wide, oval-shaped, wavy and toothed, and are greyish underneath. O. arborescens produces white bunched flowers in spring to summer.
Care Guide
💧 Water
The common tree daisy, which originates from areas with varying levels of moisture, is moderately drought-tolerant. It thrives best in soil that partially dries out between watering sessions and typically needs irrigation every 2-3 weeks. Found often in temperate regions, this plant efficiently conserves water during dry spells and benefits when rainfall matches its low water requirements.
☀️ Light Full sun
The common tree daisy comes from open habitats, such as sunlit meadows and forest margins that provide abundant light. It grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C
The common tree daisy is highly adaptable to a wide range of climate conditions, coping with both scorching summers and cold winters. It nonetheless has an optimal temperature range for growth. When temperatures become too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it is important to provide insulation to protect the plant.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Timing is important when fertilizing the Common tree daisy. Apply fertilizer in early spring and then once a month through early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
The common tree daisy has white to pale yellow flowers and needs regular pruning from early to late winter. To encourage growth and blooming, remove any overgrown branches and dead wood. This will also improve air circulation and light exposure. Make sure to use clean, sharp tools when pruning to prevent disease and promote healing.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Olearia
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Mature Spread
- 1.52 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
- Native Area
- New Zealand