shrub

Sticky Daisy-bush

The Story

Plant Bio

Olearia glutinosa, commonly known as sticky daisy-bush, is an erect, dense evergreen shrub native to the coastal cliffs and dunes of southeastern Australia. Its narrow, linear dark green leaves have a distinct blue-gray tint and are covered in a sticky, resinous secretion that helps conserve moisture in exposed environments.

In late spring and summer, the branchlets are tipped with compact, umbrella-like clusters of small daisy-like flowers featuring white, pink, or mauve ray florets around yellow or violet centers. The entire plant remains highly resistant to salt spray and drying winds, making it exceptionally stable in harsh maritime conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers year-round structure with dense, resinous, blue-gray tinted foliage and a profusion of small, daisy-like summer flowers.

Highly effective for erosion control on sandy slopes and coastal dunes due to its high tolerance for salt spray and wind.

Provides nectar and pollen for generalist insect pollinators and offers dense cover for small nesting birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

80"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

South-eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (resin may irritate skin)

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun exposure and exceptionally well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Water moderately during the first active growing season to establish the root system, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant in sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun; heavy clay or standing winter wet will rapidly induce fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in sandy, gravelly, or limestone-derived soils that drain rapidly.
Provide full sun to maintain a tight, bushy growth habit.
Tip-prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense foliage.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained, waterlogged soils.
Do not prune hard back into old, bare, leafless wood.
Do not over-water or use heavy, phosphorus-rich fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensHedges and ScreensRock GardensErosion Control

Companion Plants

Leptospermum laevigatum Correa alba Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sticky Daisy-bush questions

What zones can Sticky Daisy-bush grow in?

Sticky Daisy-bush is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Sticky Daisy-bush bloom?

Sticky Daisy-bush typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sticky Daisy-bush need full sun?

Sticky Daisy-bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sticky Daisy-bush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sticky Daisy-bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.