NZ Everlasting
Anaphalioides bellidioides
A small alpine member of the daisy family forming mats or compact clumps with small leaves and papery flower heads. Suited to rock crevices, fellfields and screes where drainage is rapid and light is intense. In cultivation it thrives in alpine troughs and rock gardens in cool climates. alpine plants .
Plant Description
Perennial with compact growth, small leaves arranged along fine shoots and small composite heads on short stems. The papery bracts and tight habit reduce weather damage at altitude. Seeds are wind-dispersed achenes.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Anaphalioides bellidioides |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Form | Compact clumps/mats; papery composite heads |
| Light | Full sun; high light |
| Soil | Sharp drainage; gritty, low-organic, mineral mix |
| Hardiness | Cold hardy if well-drained; dislikes winter wet |
| Height | Variable by habitat |
| Spread | Forms clumps or patches |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; free-draining soils |
| Frost Tolerance | High - tolerant of severe freezes |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Cool-summer districts; ideal in alpine troughs/crevice gardens with strong airflow.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Queenstown | Ideal |
| Wānaka | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Moderate |
| Wellington | Moderate |
| Auckland | Marginal |
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Nelson | Suitable |
| Dunedin | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Suitable |
Plant Habitat
occurs in natural habitats characteristic of Aotearoa, forming part of distinctive plant communities where site stress and local disturbance shape vegetation patterns. It favours exposed slopes, screes or fellfields with thin, rapidly drained mineral soils, enduring intense radiation, wind and freeze-thaw cycles. On the coast it occupies sunny, wind‑prone sites with sandy or rocky substrates, where salt‑laden air and periodic drought limit competition. These preferences explain its patchy distribution and sensitivity to changes in hydrology, competition and disturbance regimes. Anaphalioides bellidioides
Plant Conservation
are influenced by land use, browsing and weeds. Protecting intact habitat mosaics, reducing browser pressure, and managing invasive plants sustain recruitment. Where local stands are small or isolated, eco‑sourced augmentation and careful site stewardship help secure long‑term viability. Anaphalioides bellidioides Populations of
Growing Requirements
Soil
Gritty, lean mix in crevices/troughs; top-dress with fine grit around the crown.
Light
Full sun with airflow; light shade in hot districts.
Water
Light, infrequent watering; very sparing in winter.
Planting Guide
Planting Steps
Plant in the cool, moist months into weed‑free ground. Set plants slightly proud of the surrounding soil, water to settle, and mulch with coarse gravel or woodchips while keeping the stem base clear. Grouping two to three plants replicates natural patterns and improves establishment under local conditions.
Ecological Role
Fauna Support
contributes structure and seasonal resources where it grows, providing cover and habitat for invertebrates and, when flowering or fruiting, nectar, pollen or seed for fauna. Anaphalioides bellidioides
Environmental Stabilisation
By tolerating the stresses of its environment, it helps stabilise sites and enrich small‑scale habitat diversity.
Uses
Traditional and Modern Applications
Ideal for rock and gravel gardens that emulate alpine processes, or for specialised collections. Suited to sunny, maritime gardens with sandy or rocky soils where wind and salt are considerations.
Landscaping Uses
Garden Design Applications
Excellent for rock gardens, alpine collections, and naturalistic plantings. Best used in open, well-drained positions where its distinctive form can be appreciated. Combines well with other native alpine plants and provides year-round structure. Consider placement carefully due to sharp foliage - avoid high-traffic areas. Creates dramatic focal points in contemporary and native-themed garden designs.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Spring management focuses on removing winter-damaged foliage and assessing drainage. Summer care emphasizes maintaining adequate moisture without waterlogging. Autumn preparation includes reducing irrigation and ensuring good air circulation. Winter protection may require covering in areas subject to excessive moisture. Year-round monitoring ensures early detection of problems and maintenance of optimal growing conditions.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Little pruning is required; remove dead or crossing material after flowering and avoid hard renovation cuts. Light tip‑pruning maintains compact form without compromising the plant’s natural character.
How to Grow NZ Everlasting
From Seed
Anaphalioides bellidioides germinates readily from fresh seed. Collect the papery seed heads in late summer or autumn before they are dispersed by the wind.
Sow on the surface of a gritty seed mix. Do not cover the seeds, or use only a very sparse dusting of sand, as light is required for germination. Keep the tray moist and in a well-lit, cool area.
Germination typically occurs in spring. The seedlings are small and should be pricked out carefully into gritty potting mix once large enough to handle.
From Division
Division is an easy way to increase stocks of this creeping perennial. It forms mats that root as they spread.
In spring or autumn, detach rooted sections from the edge of the mat. You can often lift these with a small trowel without digging up the entire parent plant.
Pot up the rooted pieces or replant them directly into a scree garden. Keep them watered until they start to spread.
Cultivation Notes
This is an excellent plant for a gravel garden or rockery. It requires sharp drainage and full sun. In the wild, it inhabits riverbeds and scree slopes, so it is adapted to low-nutrient, stony soils.
It is very hardy but dislikes winter wet sitting around the foliage. A gravel mulch helps protect the leaves from damp soil.
Pests & Diseases
Good siting prevents most problems-sharp drainage and appropriate exposure are key. Crown and root rots arise if winter wet persists; keep crowns elevated and water moving. Protect young plants from browsing where deer, goats or rabbits are present.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
Indigenous landscapes and the species that persist within them are taonga. Honouring whakapapa and kaitiakitanga means protecting habitats, using eco‑sourced plants in restoration, and passing on knowledge about local names, uses and tikanga so these relationships endure.
Bonus Tip
Everlasting Flower
Known as 'Hell's Bells' or New Zealand Edelweiss, the papery white 'petals' are actually modified bracts. These dry perfectly, making them an excellent addition to dried flower arrangements where they keep their shape and pure white colour for years.
