Dusty Daisy Bush Olearia phlogopappa 'Comber's Blue'
ABOUT
Olearia phlogopappa 'Comber's Blue', commonly known as the Dusty Daisy Bush, is a visually appealing plant known for its attractive foliage and flowers. Its leaves are often a deep green with a slightly greyish tinge, providing a soft, textured backdrop for the blooms. These leaves can have an oval to lance-like shape, with edges that can be smooth or subtly serrated. The most striking feature of the Dusty Daisy Bush is its flowers. 'Comber's Blue' presents a profusion of daisy-like blooms with a lush, purple-blue hue that is quite striking and adds a splash of color to any garden setting. Each flower typically has a central disk of small, tubular florets that may be yellowish or brownish, often contrasting beautifully with the radiating petal-like structures around them. The flowers are typically arranged in clusters, creating a full and abundant floral display. The blooms appear in spring to early summer, and this seasonal flush of color is especially attractive to gardeners and pollinators alike. The Dusty Daisy Bush can give any garden an instant lift with its charming flowers and can serve as an excellent plant for borders, hedges, or as a stand-alone specimen. Moreover, its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, even outside the flowering season. Overall, the Dusty Daisy Bush 'Comber's Blue' is a delightful addition to gardens, combining both foliage and floral beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Dusty Daisy Bush, Alpine Daisy Bush.
Common names
Olearia phlogopappa 'Comber's Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Dusty Daisy Bush (Olearia phlogopappa 'Comber's Blue') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may occur. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
To pets
Dusty Daisy Bush is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and consumption of any non-food plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant and is showing adverse symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces striking blue to violet flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Offers shelter and food sources for birds and beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires little water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climates.
- Foliage Interest: Has evergreen leaves that provide year-round greenery and landscape structure.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning and pest control.
- Wind Resistance: Acts as a windbreak, protecting gardens and landscapes from strong winds.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil, making it useful for slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soils and conditions, making it versatile for different garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Olearia plant trimmings can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, with different parts of the plants producing varying shades and colors.
- The bark and branches may be utilized in basketry or as natural craft materials for decorative items such as wreaths and wall hangings.
- Dried Olearia flowers can be used in potpourri mixes for their aesthetic appeal and to add bulk to the mixture.
- The sturdy stems of Olearia can be employed as natural supports for climbing plants in gardens.
- Fallen Olearia leaves and pruning waste serve as a beneficial addition to compost piles, providing essential nutrients as they decompose.
- The dense foliage of the Olearia can be a nesting choice for small birds, offering protection and shelter.
- The flowers might be utilized in the creation of eco-friendly confetti for events, as they are biodegradable and offer a sustainable alternative to plastic confetti.
- Olearia can be included in floral arrangements for educational purposes, such as teaching botany or horticulture, due to its diverse features.
- In photography, Olearia plants can be used as an attractive background or subject for nature-based photography and art projects.
- When dried and treated, branches of the Olearia can be used as kindling or in fire starting kits for camping and survival training.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dusty Miller is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dusty Miller is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Olearia phlogopappa, commonly known as Dusty Daisy Bush, thrives in tough environments, symbolizing the ability to withstand adversity.
- Purity - The 'Comber's Blue' variety, with its striking blue flowers, can represent cleanliness and innocence.
- Serenity - The subtle blue hue of the flowers is often associated with calmness and peace.
- Protection - Olearia species are known for their sturdy nature, symbolizing a protective barrier against challenges.
- Adaptation - Dusty Daisy Bush's adaptability to different soils and climates symbolizes versatility and the ability to thrive in various conditions.
WaterFor the Dusty Daisy Bush, it is essential to water it moderately, ensuring the soil is moist but well-drained. During the growing season, water it once every one to two weeks with about 1 to 2 gallons, depending on the weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, damp conditions, reduce the watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.
LightDusty Daisy Bush thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, ensuring healthy growth and flowering. Avoid deep shade as this may hinder its growth and reduce blooming.
TemperatureDusty Daisy Bush can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in moderate to cool climates. The ideal temperature range is between 40 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with the capability to withstand minimum temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit without serious damage.
PruningPruning the Dusty Daisy Bush is important to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth, removing any dead or damaged stems and shaping the plant as desired. A light trim after flowering can also encourage a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dusty Daisy Bush thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure. A soil mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and organic matter is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, to support healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingThe Dusty Daisy Bush generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. It is best to repot when the plant has outgrown its current container or if the soil has degraded significantly.
Humidity & MistingThe Dusty Daisy Bush prefers moderate to low humidity levels. While it can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, it does not require high humidity and thrives in the natural humidity levels found in most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dusty Daisy Bush near a sunny window, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Place in sun to part-shade, water moderately, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Olearia phlogopappa 'Comber's Blue', also known as Dusty Daisy Bush, begins with seed germination, wherein the plant emerges from its dormant state under suitable environmental conditions. Following germination, the seedling stage establishes a basic root system and foliage through which the plant begins photosynthesis. As it enters the vegetative stage, Dusty Daisy Bush experiences significant growth in leaves and stems, preparing for reproduction. The flowering stage comes next, where it produces clusters of striking blue to mauve flowers, attracting pollinators and subsequently undergoing pollination. After fertilization, the plant develops fruits which are dry achenes that disperse seeds, allowing for the continuation of the species. Finally, as the plant matures, it may enter a period of senescence, where older parts die back, but it can also rejuvenate from the base, continuing its life cycle for several years under favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Daisy Bush 'Comber's Blue' can be propagated most effectively through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is commonly performed in late summer to early fall, when the new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. To perform this method, cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length of stem from a healthy plant, ideally with several leaves but no flower buds. Strip the lower leaves off and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a well-drained soil mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the lower leaves were removed are buried. The environment should be kept humid, for instance by covering the pot with a plastic bag, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically form within several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to normal conditions and eventually planted out.
