shrub

Sunshine Daisy Bush

Brachyglottis Dunedin Group 'Sunshine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Brachyglottis is a genus of evergreen shrubs and subshrubs native to New Zealand and its surrounding islands. These plants are characterized by leathery foliage often covered in dense, felted hairs that provide protection against harsh coastal winds.

'Sunshine' is a compact, mounding cultivar distinguished by its silvery-grey foliage and bright golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers. The new growth emerges covered in a bright silver-white felted coating before maturing to a leathery grey-green.

Uses & Benefits:

Silvery-grey foliage and bright yellow summer flowers provide year-round structure.

Highly tolerant of salt spray and coastal winds, making it an excellent windbreak or hedge in seaside gardens.

Yellow daisy-like blooms attract generalist native bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

35"

Width

47"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden Origin (New Zealand parentage)

Toxicity

Toxic to Pets and Livestock

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained soil, such as a sandy, gravelly, or chalky matrix.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container, avoiding heavy clay soils that retain winter moisture.
Water moderately during the first growing season to establish the root system, then reduce watering to rely on natural rainfall.
Apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring only if growth is sluggish, avoiding heavy feeding which causes weak, loose stems.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering by shearing only the leafy, green-stemmed growth; cutting back into old, leafless woody stems will kill the branch as it lacks the ability to regenerate from bare wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in exceptionally well-drained, lean soil to prevent root rot.
Provide full sun to maintain the compact, mounding habit and intense silver foliage color.
Shear the plant lightly immediately after summer flowering to keep it dense.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as the plant will not regenerate from leafless stems.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, which lead to floppy, weak growth.

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 GardensRock GardensMixed BordersLow-Water Landscaping

Companion Plants

Lavandula Rosmarinus officinalis Cistus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sunshine Daisy Bush questions

What zones can Sunshine Daisy Bush grow in?

Sunshine 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 Sunshine Daisy Bush deer resistant?

Yes — Sunshine Daisy Bush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sunshine Daisy Bush bloom?

Sunshine 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 Sunshine Daisy Bush need full sun?

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

Is Sunshine Daisy Bush drought tolerant?

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