Dusty Daisy Bush Olearia × mollis 'Zennorensis'
ABOUT
Olearia × mollis 'Zennorensis', commonly referred to as the Daisy Bush, is a plant that is distinguished by its appearance which includes a striking visual combination of foliage and flowers. The Daisy Bush typically presents a dense and bushy growth habit. Its leaves add a lush texture to the plant's overall look with their often soft, grey-green to green coloration and they can sometimes have a slightly furry or felted feel which contributes to the 'mollis', or soft, aspect of the plant’s designation. The most captivating feature of the Daisy Bush, however, is its profusion of daisy-like flowers. These blossoms generally appear as composite flowers which means that what seems to be a single flower is actually a cluster of smaller flowers. These are often white or shades of lavender to violet, with a central disc that can be yellow or sometimes deeper colored, depending on the variety. The contrast between the soft foliage and the bright, cheerful blooms can be quite striking, particularly when the plant is in full flower, creating a display that is not only appealing to the eye but is also attractive to various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. While the size of the plant is not to be mentioned, the overall form can be described as rounded or slightly spreading, offering a fullness that makes it suitable as a specimen in a garden setting or as part of a hedge or shelterbelt where size considerations are appropriate for the plant's role and the space available. The Daisy Bush's appearance is one of resilience and adaptability, with a textured, layered look that affords visual interest throughout its growing season and possibly year-round, depending on its growing conditions and climate.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dusty Daisy Bush, New Zealand Holly
Common names
Olearia × mollis 'Zennorensis'.
ToxicityTo humans
Olearia, which is the most common name for Olearia × mollis 'Zennorensis', generally is not known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information about this specific hybrid and its toxicity. However, most members of the Olearia genus are not considered poisonous. If someone has ingested part of this plant and is feeling unwell, they should seek medical attention, as people can have individual allergies or reactions to non-toxic plants.
To pets
Olearia, which is the most common name for Olearia × mollis 'Zennorensis', is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, which includes cats and dogs. There is a paucity of detailed information on this specific hybrid's potential toxicity to animals. As a precaution, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants not known to be safe. If a pet were to eat this plant, monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions and consult with a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Australasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive foliage and daisy-like flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic pruning, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers provide nectar for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
- Windbreak: Can be used in coastal areas to provide protection from strong winds.
- Privacy Screen: Dense growth habit makes it good for creating privacy screens or hedges.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden styles, including informal and cottage gardens.
- Soil Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The dense foliage of the Daisy Bush can be used to create a natural privacy screen or hedge in gardens to provide seclusion or to block unsightly views.
- Its evergreen nature makes the Daisy Bush an excellent choice for coastal gardens, as it can help stabilize slopes and combat erosion with its root system.
- The wood of the Daisy Bush can be used for crafting small wooden objects like tool handles or carved ornaments due to its firmness.
- Being tolerant of wind, the Daisy Bush can serve as a windbreak in exposed garden sites or rural landscapes, protecting other plants or crops.
- Its vibrant flowers can be used in informal flower arrangements to add a touch of wilderness to the interior decor.
- The Daisy Bush can be trained and shaped into topiary forms for decorative purposes in formal gardens or public parks.
- The plant can be used in sensory gardens; its soft leaves provide a textural experience when brushed against or touched.
- Extracts from the leaves or flowers can be used in the production of natural dyes for textiles, crafts, or art projects.
- Deadheading spent flowers can serve as an engaging educational activity for children, teaching them about plant lifecycles and garden maintenance.
- The robust nature of the Daisy Bush allows it to be used in permaculture designs as part of a guild of plants supporting a specific function like attracting beneficial insects or providing mulch material.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daisy Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daisy Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Olearia, also known as Daisy Bush, often symbolizes resilience due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in coastal environments, featuring tough, leathery foliage that stands up to challenging conditions.
- Protection - The dense foliage and evergreen nature of the Daisy Bush can represent protection, as it provides shelter for birds and insects throughout the year.
- Adaptability - Daisy Bush's ability to adapt to different soil types and environmental conditions reflects the symbolic meaning of adaptability and versatility in various situations in life.
WaterThe Daisy Bush should be watered deeply, ensuring moisture reaches the roots, approximately once a week during active growth periods in spring and summer. During the winter months or in cooler weather, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks, depending on the weather and soil dryness. It's vital to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Generally, provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time to thoroughly soak the root zone.
LightThe Daisy Bush thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place it in a spot where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to poor growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe Daisy Bush prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold or frost, which can damage the foliage and stems.
PruningPrune the Daisy Bush to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, usually in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and cut back up to one-third of the plant's size to promote healthy new branches. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to control the plant's size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaisy Bush thrives best in well-draining soil with added organic matter, such as peat or compost, to provide nutrients and improve soil structure. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for this plant, ensuring that it is neither too acidic nor too alkaline. Regular top-dressing with compost can help maintain soil fertility for the Daisy Bush.
RepottingDaisy Bush does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted when the plant outgrows its current container or every 2 to 3 years. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the previous one to allow for growth, and provide fresh soil with good drainage to accommodate the Daisy Bush's roots.
Humidity & MistingDaisy Bush prefers moderate humidity levels but is generally adaptable to a range of humidity conditions. Avoid placing it in extremely arid environments as it may struggle without some ambient moisture in the air. Regular outdoor humidity levels are typically sufficient for this plant's needs.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daisy Bush near a sunny window, water regularly.
Outdoor
Grow in sun to partial shade, water and mulch.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Olearia × mollis 'Zennorensis', commonly known as Daisy Bush, starts its life cycle from seeds or cuttings, which upon successful germination or rooting, enter the juvenile vegetative stage. During this phase, it develops a basic structure of stems and leaves, and as it matures, it grows larger and stronger. Once the plant reaches maturity, it enters the flowering stage, usually in the summer months, producing clusters of daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dry fruits containing seeds that can be dispersed to start a new lifecycle. If conditions are not conducive to seeding, the Daisy Bush may propagate vegetatively through cuttings. As the plant ages, it may experience a decline in vigor and flowering, eventually leading to senescence and the end of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Olearia x mollis 'Zennorensis', commonly known as Daisy Bush, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer after the plant has flowered and the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and include several leaf nodes. After cutting, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cuttings are then placed in well-draining potting mix and kept moist, with high humidity and indirect light until roots establish, which usually takes a few weeks. It's important to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause excessive heat and dry out the cuttings. Once rooted, the new plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and then planted in their final location.
