shrub

Daisy Bush

Olearia paniculata

The Story

Plant Bio

Olearia paniculata is a dense, upright evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, characterized by its leathery, wavy-margined leaves that are glossy yellow-green above and felted white underneath. In late summer, it produces small, creamy-white flowers in dense clusters that emit a light, sweet fragrance.

This species is highly valued for its extreme wind and salt tolerance, making it an exceptional choice for coastal windbreaks and seaside hedging. The reddish, angular twigs provide a sharp color contrast against the pale, undulating foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

The undulating, glossy olive-green leaves with contrasting felted white undersides provide excellent year-round texture and movement in windy sites.

Functions as a highly effective, salt-tolerant windbreak or dense privacy screen in exposed coastal gardens.

Provides valuable shelter and nesting sites for birds, while the late-season fragrant flowers support generalist pollinating insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

78"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade to prevent water pooling.
Backfill with native soil, press down firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the main stem to avoid rot.

Pro Tip

Always plant in highly elevated or sharply sloped positions to guarantee rapid drainage; standing water or heavy, waterlogged soil triggers fatal root rot within a single season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely after rainfall.
Prune annually after flowering to maintain a tight, dense habit for hedging.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy clay soils that retain water.
Never prune hard into old, bare wood, as the stems lack adventitious buds and will fail to regrow.
Avoid overwatering once the shrub is established, as it is highly drought-tolerant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreakFormal or informal hedgeSeaside screenSpecimen shrub

Companion Plants

Phormium tenax Coprosma repens Griselinia littoralis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Daisy Bush questions

What zones can Daisy Bush grow in?

Daisy Bush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Daisy Bush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Daisy Bush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Daisy Bush bloom?

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

Does Daisy Bush need full sun?

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

Is Daisy Bush drought tolerant?

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