Daisy Bush Olearia × scilloniensis Dorrien-smith
ABOUT
Olearia × scilloniensis, commonly known as the Daisy Bush, is a visually captivating ornamental plant, loved for its lush and dense appearance. This plant is a hybrid and has distinctive characteristics that make it a garden favorite. It features small, oval-shaped leaves that are a dark green on the top with a slightly lighter shade beneath, giving the foliage a vibrant, rich texture. The leaves are typically tightly packed along the stems, creating a thick and bushy look. During its blooming season, the Daisy Bush is adorned with a profusion of daisy-like flowers, which are its most striking feature. These flowers are typically small and comprised of a central yellow disc surrounded by white petals that radiate outwards, resembling the classic daisy flower structure. The blossoms cluster together at the tips of the branches, forming conspicuous, rounded flower heads that stand out against the dark green leaves. The plant's overall shape is somewhat rounded or mound-like, with branches that can be arching or slightly upright, contributing to its dense and well-filled appearance. Noteworthy is the plant's resilience and how it bursts with an abundance of flowers, creating a showy display that can enliven any garden space. The Daisy Bush is also known for attracting various pollinators, adding to its appeal as both a decorative and functional element in a diverse range of garden and landscape settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Scilly Aster, Scillonian Daisy
Common names
Olearia x scilloniensis Dorrien Smith.
ToxicityTo humans
Olearia × scilloniensis, commonly known as Daisy Bush, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information regarding its potential poisonous effects, and it does not typically appear on lists of toxic plants. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of unknown plants due to potential allergic reactions or unforeseen toxicity.
To pets
Regarding the Daisy Bush, there is no specific information readily available on its toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for pets. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised, as pets may have different sensitivities to plants than humans. If a pet ingests any part of the plant and shows symptoms of distress, it would be wise to consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Olearia × scilloniensis, commonly known as Scilly Daisy, offers aesthetic appeal with its dense, rounded shape and profuse daisy-like flowers that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The Scilly Daisy is attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing them with nectar and helping to support local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy shrub, it requires relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Olearia × scilloniensis has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wind Resistance: Its natural habitat on coastal cliffs suggests that it can handle windy conditions, making it ideal for coastal gardens or exposed sites.
- Hedging and Screening: Due to its dense growth, Scilly Daisy can be used for hedges and privacy screens, providing a living barrier that is both functional and attractive.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Olearia x scilloniensis, commonly known as Daisy Bush, can be used in coastal landscapes where its tolerance to sea spray and strong winds is an asset for creating stable, wind-resistant plantings.
- The dense foliage of Daisy Bush can be employed as a privacy screen or hedge in gardens, providing a natural barrier that is both visually pleasant and effective.
- Its compact growth habit makes Daisy Bush a suitable candidate for large container plantings, where it can be placed on patios or balconies to add greenery and floral interest.
- Daisy Bush can be used in sensory gardens, as the plant's tactile leaves and daisy-like flowers create an engaging experience for visitors.
- The plant can be incorporated into wildlife gardens as it provides shelter for birds and the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- In thematic gardens focusing on silver-foliaged plants or white blossoms, Daisy Bush contributes to the color palette with its silvery leaves and white flowers.
- For educational purposes, Daisy Bush can be used to teach about hybrid plants and how different species can be crossbred to create new ornamental varieties.
- As a backdrop in perennial beds, Daisy Bush's structure and foliage contrast well with flowering plants, helping to highlight their colors and forms.
- Daisy Bush can be used in xeriscaping, as it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a good fit for water-conserving landscapes.
- The dried flowers of Daisy Bush can potentially be used in crafting or as a part of dry floral arrangements for decoration.
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 bushes or Asteraceae, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to withstand challenging conditions like strong winds and salty air in coastal environments.
- Protection: The thick foliage of the Olearia can be seen as a symbol of protection, offering shelter to various forms of wildlife and acting as a windbreak in gardens and natural landscapes.
- Adaptability: This plant's capacity to adapt to different soil types and its ease of cultivation can reflect flexibility and the ability to thrive in a variety of situations.
WaterThe Daisy Bush should be watered regularly, aiming for at least once a week, but frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions and soil moisture. In the growing season, especially during dry spells, you may need to increase watering to twice a week. Make sure the top inch of soil is dry between waterings to avoid overwatering. Each watering should be thorough, allowing water to soak into the root zone. An average of approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per week should be sufficient for a mature plant, adjusted accordingly for younger plants which may require less.
LightThe Daisy Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It does well in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in areas with intensely hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe Daisy Bush prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging roughly from 50°F to 70°F. It can tolerate short periods of colder weather, but sustained temperatures below 20°F may damage the plant. It's not well-suited to extremely hot climates, as prolonged exposure to temperatures over 80°F can be detrimental to its health.
PruningPruning the Daisy Bush is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cutting back old stems and removing any dead or damaged wood annually will help to stimulate blooming and improve air circulation within the plant. The best time for pruning is typically just after the risk of frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaisy bush prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix might include equal parts of loam, peat or compost, and coarse sand to improve drainage.
RepottingDaisy bush does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant has outgrown its current pot.
Humidity & MistingDaisy bush thrives best in moderate humidity conditions; however, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate coastal conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with partial to full sun.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleOlearia × scilloniensis Dorrien-smith, commonly known as the Daisy Bush, begins its life as a seed that germinates in well-drained soil under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. The seed develops into a small seedling which establishes itself through a primary root system and begins to grow its first leaves. As it matures, the plant undergoes vegetative growth, producing a woody stem, more complex leaves, and branches to form a shrub. When the plant reaches reproductive maturity, it produces clusters of daisy-like flowers that are usually purple, attracting pollinators and enabling sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruits containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the Daisy Bush may experience a period of senescence, where older parts of the plant die back, but it can continue to grow and reproduce for several years under favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Olearia x scilloniensis, also known as Daisy Bush, is commonly propagated by semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. To propagate by this method, a gardener would select a healthy, semi-ripe stem of the current year's growth. This stem should be firm at the base but still flexible at the tip. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) is snipped just below a leaf node, with the lower leaves removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and ideally, in a warm environment with indirect light, a plastic cover or propagator can be used to maintain high humidity levels around the cutting. Within several weeks, the cutting should root and can eventually be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
