Olearia × haastii

daisy bush

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July and August
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  In July and August this evergreen shrub is smothered with clusters of white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres. The leaves are glaucous and glossy, and associate particularly well with Mediterranean plants or other plants with silvery foliage. This shrub also makes a fabulous, informal flowering hedge or windbreak for a sunny, well-drained site. It is particularly suitable for coastal gardens as it stands up well to strong winds and salt-laden air.
  
  

• Garden care: Remove the faded flowerheads using garden shears. In April or May lightly trim back any branches that spoil the symmetry of the plant. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.