Tree Asters

Olearia
A genus of close to 180 species of evergreen trees and shrubs that native to Australia and New Zealand. They are related to the Aster of North America and Eurasia. They are great as specimen plants and many also make great screens and informal hedges.
They generally prefer full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
Olearia's enjoy being mulched and the shallow roots are prone to damage from cultivation. They are typically pruned after flowering and overgrown plants can also be cut back hard during early spring.
Most species tolerate coastal conditions including salt and wind; however in cooler parts of their range may prefer a protected site such as a south facing wall.
Propagation is from seed or half-hardened cuttings taken during summer and fall.

Olearia albida
A vigorous, evergreen small tree, that is native to the North Island of New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 20 x 10 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are green above, downy white beneath.
The white, daisy-like flowers are borne on panicles up to 12 inches in length, during summer and fall.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

var 'angulata'
Leathery, wavy-margined, stiffer leaves.

Olearia angustifolia
A medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 20 x 16 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.3 feet.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are green.
The flowers are up to 2 inches across.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

* historic archive photo

Olearia arborescens ( Common Tree Daisy )
A fast growing, dense, evergreen, large shrub, that is a widespread native of New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 15 x 15 feet.
The toothed, broadly-oval leaves, up to 3.5 x 2 inches, are deep green above, hairy white beneath.
The white, daisy-like flowers are borne on rounded panicles, up to 6 inches, during spring and summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( hardy in London, England ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

'Capillaris'
Lower and more compact, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 12 feet.

Olearia argophylla ( Musk Tree )
A rare, evergreen small to medium-sized tree, that is native to cool rainforests of Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 52 x 32 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.4 feet. Very large trees grow outside its native range in cool summer climates such as Ireland.
The leaves, up to 6 x 2.5 inches, are green above, silvery beneath.
The abundant, creamy-white flowers are borne on large panicles up to 11 inches in length, during late spring.
The stems are white.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 in partial shade on fertile, well drained soil that is mulched.

* photo of unknown internet source


'Variegata'
Foliage is boldly margined yellow.

Olearia avicenniifolia ( Akeake )
A fast growing, spreading, evergreen small tree, that is native to South Island of New Zealand. Some records include: 10 years; 17 x 17 feet; largest on record - 27 x 27 feet. Makes a great screen or hedge.
The thick, broadly-lance leaves, up to 6 x 2 ( rarely over 4 ) inches, are intensely green above, downy white beneath.
The scented, white, daisy-like flowers are borne on dense clusters, up to 3 inches across, during autumn.
The stems are angular.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( hardy in London if protected ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Tolerant of seashore conditions.

Olearia chathamica
A medium-sized, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 6.5 x 8 feet in 10 years, eventually slightly more.
The leathery, lance-shaped leaves, up to 4.8 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The solitary, white or purplish flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne late spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 10

Olearia cheesemanii
An evergreen, small tree, that is native to New Zealand. Some records include: 10 years; feet; largest on record - 20 x 10 feet.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 4 x 1 inches, are green above, white beneath.
The very profuse, white, daisy-like flowers are borne on panicles, up to 8 inches in length, during spring and summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia colensoi
A medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 16 feet.
The leaves, up to 8 x 4 inches, are glossy deep green above, white beneath.
The brownish-purple no petal flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne on clusters, up to 8 inches across.
Hardy zones 9b to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
A form from Mt Hikurang at 5000 foot elevation may be hardy north to zone 7b.

Olearia erubescens ( Silky Daisy Bush )
A medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to southern Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 15 feet.
The stiff, wavy-margined, toothed, oblong leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are reddish and downy at first, turning to deep green above, downy white beneath.
The white, daisy-like flowers are borne on terminal clusters, up to 18 inches in length, during spring through fall.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

'Ilicifolia'
Faster growing with larger leaves, up to 3 x 1 inches.

Olearia frostii
A small, evergreen shrub, that is native to high mountains of Victoria in Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 2 x 3 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 1.3 x 0.5 inches, are woolly.
The white to purplish-pink flowers, up to 1.2 inches across, are borne on terminal clusters during summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia furfuracea
A slow growing, dense, evergreen small tree, rarely over 20 feet, that is native to North Island in New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 30 x 7 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 inches.
The wavy-margined, oblong leaves, up to 4 x 2.5 inches, are luxuriant deep green above, rust-brown and hairy beneath.
The small, white, daisy-like flowers are borne on clusters, up to 5 inches across, during summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( hardy at Kew, England on a protected site ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia x haastii
A moderate growing, dense, rounded, medium-sized evergreen shrub that is the hybrid between Olearia avicennifolia & O. moschata. Some records include: 10 years - 17 x 20 feet; largest on record - 17 x 20 feet. Makes a great screen for the seashore.
The very leathery, crowded, oblong leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are glossy deep green above, downy white beneath.
The abundant, fragrant, small, creamy-white, daisy-like flowers, up to 0.3 inches across, are borne on showy clusters, up to 3.5 inches across, during mid to late summer. The flowers often completely smother the plant which looks stunning against a dark background. The flowers attract butterflies.
The shoots are downy when young.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( tolerates as low as 0 F possibly even -4 F if protected ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Tolerant of salt spray, heat, drought, alkaline soil and smog. Deer resistant. Tip prune immediately after blooming for denser habit.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

* historical archive photo

Olearia hectorii ( Hector's Daisy Tree )
A small tree, native to the South Island of New Zealand that reaches a maximum height of 33 feet. It can live over 600 years. The total estimated population is about 4500 trees. It is considered to be endangered and many stands are not reproducing due to competition from non-native plants.
The yellow flowers appear during spring.
The corky bark is deeply-furrowed.

* excellent video found on internet


Olearia ilicifolia ( Mountain Holly )
A spreading, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to New Zealand. Some records include: 5 years - 10 feet; 10 years - 10 x 10 feet; largest on record - 17 x 15 feet.
The leathery, spine-tipped, holly-like, lance-shaped leaves, up to 4 x 1 inches, are deep green.
The profuse, white ( yellow centered ), daisy-like flowers, up to 0.3 inches across, are borne on clusters, up to 4 inches, during early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 5 F ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. It makes a great landscape plant for southern England.

Olearia insignis ( Marlborough Rock Daisy )
Also called Pachystegia insignis. A vigorous, spreading, small to medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to . Some records include: 10 years; 3.3 x 6.5 feet; largest on record - 7 x 7 feet.
The thick, leathery, oval leaves, up to 8 x 3.5 inches, are glossy deep green above, downy white to rusty-brown beneath.
The solitary, large, pure white ( yellow centered ), daisy-like flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne on woolly stalks up to 12 inches in length, during late summer.
The young stems are felted.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

var minor
A miniature form, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 1.5 feet, with smaller leaves, up to 4 inches in length, that are glossier deeper green.
The smaller flowers are borne on shorter stalks.

Olearia lacunosa
A evergreen large shrub to small tree, that is native to New Zealand at elevations up to 5000 feet. Some records include: largest on record - 15 feet.
The narrow leaves, up to 7 x 1 inches, are green.
The flowers, up to 0.4 inches, are borne on clusters, up to 5 inches.
Hardy zones 8b to 10 ( thrives in parts of southern England ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia ledifolius
A very attractive, rare, slow growing, rounded, clumping, small evergreen shrub, that is native to high mountains ( 5000 + feet ) in Tasmania. Some records include: largest on record - 2 x 3 feet.
The leathery leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are deep green above, silvery beneath.
The flowers are white.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on peaty, well drained soil.

Olearia lirata
A evergreen large shrub to small tree, that is native from southern Queensland to Tasmania in eastern Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 20 x 10 feet.
The smooth-edged, lance-shaped leaves, up to 5 x 1 inches, are glossy deep green above, downy white beneath.
The white flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne on rounded clusters.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
It prefers a cool climate. Tolerant of drought and seashore conditions. Deer resistant.

'Dartonii'
A very vigorous, arching large shrub, reaching up to 12+ x 12 feet.
The fine-textured, very narrow, willowy leaves are deep green above, white beneath.

Olearia lyallii
A medium-sized evergreen tree that is similar to Olearia colensoi but larger. Some records include: largest on record - 30 feet.
The broad elliptic leaves, up to 10 x 4 inches, are glossy deep green above, white beneath.
Hardy zones 9b to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

* photo of unknown internet source


Olearia macrodonta ( New Zealand Holly )
A rapid growing, evergreen small tree, that is native to New Zealand. Some records include: 20 years - 27 x 27 feet; largest on record - 27 x 27 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet. Trees as large as 22 feet are known to grow in Scotland and Ireland.
The aromatic, leathery, toothed but not spiny, holly-like, lance-shaped leaves, up to 6 x 2 inches, are glossy gray-green to mid green.
The fragrant, white, daisy-like flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are borne on rounded clusters, up to 6 inches across, during early summer.
The attractive bark is peeling.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( thrives in the British Isles ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Tolerates pruning.

* historical archive photos

'Major'
Larger growing, reaching a maximum size of 22 x 50 feet, making it among the largest of all Tree Asters.
The leaves and flowers are also larger.

Olearia x mollis
A stiff, upright, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is the hybrid between Olearia ilicifolia & O. lacunosa. Some records include: 10 years - 5 x 8 feet; largest on record - 15 x 10 feet.
The sharp toothed, wavy edged, narrow leaves, up to 7 inches in length, are green above, white beneath.
The white, daisy-like flowers, are borne on rounded clusters, up to 8 inches across, during summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 5 F ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. It is tolerant of clay, drought and seashore conditions.

'Zennorensis'
A layer shrub, reaching up to 10 x 10 ( rarely over 7 ) feet, that forms a spectacular specimen plant.
The sharply-toothed narrow leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are silvery.
The white flowers are borne during summer.
The stems are dark.
Hardier, north to zone 7 ( tolerating 0 F ) in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil with regular watering during summer.
It is known to resprout from the base at temperatures even lower than 0 F.

Olearia moschata ( Incense Plant )
A dense, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to South Island in New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 14 ( averaging 5 x 5 ) feet.
The very attractive, aromatic, densely arranged, toothed oval leaves, are up to 0.7 inches in length. The foliage is silvery above, white beneath.
The small, white, daisy-like flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are borne on clusters during summer.
The stems are covered in white hairs.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerates 10 F and grows well at Kew, England if protected ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant.

Olearia myrsinoides ( Blush Daisy Bush )
A straggly, small evergreen shrub, that is native from New South Wales to Tasmania in eastern Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 5 x 5 feet.
The finely-toothed, oblong leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are deep green above, gray beneath.
The scented, white ( with pale yellow or purplish-pink disk ) flowers are borne on terminal panicles during summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia nummulariifolia ( Hard-Leaved Daisy Bush )
A dense, upright, rounded, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to high mountains of New Zealand. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 10 feet; largest on record - 10 x 10 feet. Makes a great informal hedge for the seashore as well as an interesting specimen plant in the landscape.
The crowded, thick, leathery, very small, densely arranged, oval leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are bright green above, hairy rust-brown beneath.
The profuse, fragrant, solitary, small, creamy-white, daisy-like flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are borne during early to mid summer.
The stems are golden-tan.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( reports of 7 on very protected sites ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Tolerant of alkaline soil and severe drought. Can be cut back hard during early spring for renovation.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

* historic archive photo

Olearia odorata
A moderate growing, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 13 x 7 feet.
The paddle-shape leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.3 inches, are bright green above, silvery beneath.
The very fragrant, pale gray flowers are borne on clusters up to 0.3 inches across, during summer.
The stems are wiry.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
Very drought tolerant.

Olearia paniculata
A fast growing, multi-trunked, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 55 ( rarely over 23 x 7 ) feet with a trunk diameter of 38 inches. Makes a great hedge.
The wavy-margined, oval leaves, up to 4 x 1.5 inches, are bright green above, hairy white beneath.
The fragrant, small, creamy-white, flowers are borne on clusters during autumn.
The very attractive shredded bark is red-brown.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, very well drained soil.
Very drought tolerant but prefers regular water during summer. It thrives especially well in the British Isles, esp Scotland.

Olearia phlogopappa
A moderate growing, dense, upright, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native forests from New South Wales to Tasmania in eastern Australia. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 6.5 feet; largest on record - 10 x 7 ( rarely over 8 x 5 ) feet.
The aromatic, crowded, narrow, oblong leaves, up to 3 ( rarely over 2 ) inches in length, are blue-green to deep green above, downy white beneath.
The very profuse, showy, white, pink, purplish-pink or lavender-blue, daisy-like flowers are borne on dense terminal clusters, up to 3 inches across, over a long season during early to mid spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( grows well in London, England on sheltered sites ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil with reqular water during summer. Tolerant of alkaline soil and salt breezes. Prune hard or it can become scraggly. Prune lightly after flowering.
Propagation is from softwood cuttings taken during summer.

'Blue Gem'
Blue flowers.

'Comber's Mauve'
Purplish-pink flowers.

'Rosea'
Rose-pink flowers.

var subrepanda
native to subalpine regions, it is lower growing, reaching a maximum height of 3 feet.
The leaves are also smaller, to 1 x 0.2 ( rarely over 0.5 ) inches in size.

Olearia x scilloniensis
May be a form of Oleria phlogopappa. A fast growing, dense, compact, medium-sized evergreen shrub. Some records include: 10 years; 8 x 8 feet; largest on record - 10 x 8 feet.
The narrow leaves, up to 4.5 inches in length, are deep green above, white beneath.
The showy, white ( centered yellow ), daisy-like flowers are borne on dense clusters, up to 3 inches, during late spring into summer.
It blooms so profusely that the entire bush may appear white during bloom season.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
Drought tolerant. Deadhead after blooming.

Olearia semidentata
An extremely beautiful, rounded, medium-sized evergreen shrub that is native to the Chatham Islands. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 10 feet; largest on record - 12 x 14 feet.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 3.2 x 0.7 inches, are gray-green to deep green above, white beneath.
The solitary, violet-purple, daisy-like flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne during early summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on sandy, well drained soil.

* historic archive photo

Olearia solandri
A fast growing, stiff branched, medium-sized evergreen shrub to small tree, that is native to coastal parts of New Zealand. Some records include: largest on record - 16 x 10 feet.
The narrow leaves, up to 0.6 inches in length, are deep green above, white hairy beneath.
The fragrant, small, creamy-white flowers are borne along the branches during summer and autumn.
The hairy, yellowish branches are angular.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( tolerates as low as 15 F ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil. Very frost tolerant, it grows at Kew, England on protected sites.

Olearia stelluluta
Also called Olearia lirata. A medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to eastern Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 10 feet.
The lightly aromatic, smooth-edged to toothed, narrow, pointed oval leaves, up to 6 x 0.5 inches, are green above, hairy grayish beneath.
The white ( rarely pink or purplish-pink ), daisy-like flowers are borne on terminal clusters during summer.
Hardy zones 8b to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia tomentosa ( Downy Daisy Bush )
A rounded, compact, medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to New South Wales in Australia. Some records include: 10 years; feet; largest on record - 7 x 7 feet.
It is among the most beautiful of all Tree Daisies.
The toothed to shallow lobed, rounded or oval leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are slightly hairy deep green above, hairy paler green beneath.
The profuse, showy, large, blue or white flowers are borne on loose terminal clusters, spring into summer.
Hardy zones 8b to 11 ( hardy in much of Ireland ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia townsendii
A medium-sized evergreen shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 17 feet.
The leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are green.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.

Olearia traversii ( Chatham Island Akeake )
A rapid growing, evergreen small tree, that is native to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Some records include: 10 years; feet; largest on record - 50 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 27 inches; largest in England - 37 feet @ Kew; largest in Ireland - 40 feet.
The broad oval leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are glossy deep green above, hairy white beneath. It is mainly grown for its attractive foliage.
The tiny flowers borne during summer are not very showy.
The attractive, rough, stringy, deep furrowed bark is very pale.
Hardy zones 8b to 10 ( tolerates as low as 10 F and even grows north to Scarborough on Englands east coast ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
Thrives in coastal areas where it makes a good hedge. It does not tolerate extreme heat or dry conditions and requires a climate that is permanently cool and moist as occurs in its native Chatham Islands east of New Zealand.

* historic archive photo

Olearia virgata
A twiggy, dense, arching, evergreen large shrub to small tree, that is native to high elevations of New Zealand. Some records include: 43 years - 27 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 inches; largest on record - 27 x 17 ( rarely over 17 x 15 ) feet. Makes a great screen by the sea as it tolerates salt laden winds.
The very narrow leaves, up to 0.8 inches in length, are deep gray-green above, white beneath.
The lightly fragrant, small, white, daisy-like flowers are borne along the stems during early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 5 F and thriving in much of the British Isles ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
Very tolerant of both wet soil and drought. Deer resistant.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

* historic archive photo

'Lineata'
Originated in the wild of mountains of South Island in New Zealand.
Reaches a maximum size of 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 6 inches.
The leaves are larger, up to 2 inches in length.
It is hardier than the species, tolerating as low as 0 F.

Olearia viscidula ( Wallaby Weed )
A medium-sized evergreen shrub, that is native to Australia. Some records include: largest on record - 8 x 8 feet.
The linear leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are green.
The profuse, creamy-white, daisy-like flowers are borne during late winter to early summer.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, well drained soil.
Very easy to grow. Trim back a bit from time to time to encourage a denser habit.