Daisy Bush
Brachyglottis pentacopa
A compact shrub daisy of alpine/subalpine habitats, with tough, often slightly felted leaves and bright yellow daisy heads. Suited to free-draining, gritty soils with high light and strong airflow-ideal for rock gardens and scree plantings in cool districts. shrubs .
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with compact branching and small, leathery leaves; yellow composite heads held above foliage. Adapted to lean, stony soils and strong light. Trim lightly after flowering to retain form.
Key Identification
Compact habit, small coriaceous leaves and bright yellow daisies; prefers high light, exposure and lean, sharply drained substrates.
Quick Facts
| Family | Asteraceae |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun; high light |
| Soil | Gritty, free-draining, low-organic |
| Water | Low to moderate; avoid winter wet |
| Scientific Name | Brachyglottis pentacopa |
| Height | 0.3-2 m (compact shrub) |
| Spread | 40-120 cm across |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; free-draining soils |
| Frost Tolerance | High - tolerant of severe freezes |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate & Exposure
Regional Adaptability
Best above the frost line with cool summers and high light. Tolerates light frost if drainage is excellent; struggles in warm, humid lowlands.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Auckland | Suitable |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Wellington | Suitable |
| Nelson | Suitable |
| Christchurch | Suitable |
| Dunedin | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Suitable |
Habitat
Natural Distribution
Brachyglottis pentacopa naturally occurs on fellfields and rocky herbfields in alpine and subalpine environments, often on shattered schist and greywacke where snow-lie is brief and soils are nutrient-poor. It thrives in open, exposed sites with good drainage and strong airflow, conditions typical of high-altitude mountain ranges.
Conservation
Brachyglottis pentacopa is locally stable in suitable alpine niches but faces vulnerabilities from human activities. It is particularly susceptible to trampling at popular alpine passes and to over-collection from accessible sites by gardeners. Conservation efforts focus on raising awareness about responsible access and sustainable collection practices to ensure its long-term survival in these fragile ecosystems.
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Brachyglottis pentacopa requires specialized alpine growing conditions to thrive. Provide lean, mineral soils with 50-70% grit, ensuring excellent drainage and strong airflow. Water sparingly after establishment, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Avoid rich composts and excessive summer humidity, as these conditions do not mimic its natural, exposed mountain habitat.
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
Set shallowly in crevices to shed water; mulch with grit; avoid heavy feeding and rich soils that cause lax growth.
Ecology
Brachyglottis pentacopa plays a crucial ecological role in alpine and subalpine environments. It provides essential nectar and pollen for alpine insects on calm, warm days, supporting crucial pollination services. Its dense foliage offers vital microhabitats for invertebrates and significantly reduces soil erosion on fragile scree slopes, contributing to ecosystem stability in harsh conditions.
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
Best in free-draining raised beds, stone walls or scree gardens with high light and strong airflow. Combine with Raoulia , Helichrysum and small Chionochloa for texture. Avoid high-traffic edges due to brittle flowering stems.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
In spring, check drainage and trim winter scorch. Through summer, water deeply but infrequently during extended dry spells. In winter, ensure crowns are above surrounding soil to prevent puddling.
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 Daisy Bush
From Seed
Propagation from seed is a reliable method for Brachyglottis pentacopa. Collect mature seeds from the dried flower heads in autumn. Sow the seeds in late winter to spring onto a very gritty, free-draining seed-raising mix. Cover the seeds barely with a fine layer of grit or sand, as light can aid germination. Maintain consistent moisture (but avoid waterlogging) and provide high light and cool, airy conditions, ideally in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame. Germination can be sporadic but typically occurs within a few weeks to months. Once seedlings are robust enough, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a sheltered, bright, and cool location until strong enough for planting out.
From Cuttings
Brachyglottis pentacopa can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken from firm new growth. Take cuttings in late summer, about 8-12cm long. Remove the lower leaves and treat the cut end with a rooting hormone. Insert the cuttings into a very free-draining, gritty, sterile mix of sand and perlite. Place cuttings in a cold frame or protected environment where they receive gentle bottom heat and high humidity, while still ensuring good air circulation to prevent fungal problems. Cuttings should root reliably within 6-10 weeks. Once rooted, gradually acclimatize the young plants before potting into larger containers.
General Cultivation
This compact alpine/subalpine shrub daisy requires specialized alpine growing conditions to thrive in cultivation. Provide lean, mineral soils with a high proportion of grit (50-70%) to ensure rapid drainage. Avoid rich composts and summer humidity, as these conditions do not mimic its natural rocky, exposed habitat. Plant in full sun to bright light, especially in cool climates, as high light is crucial for maintaining its compact form and abundant flowering. Water sparingly after establishment, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, and especially avoid winter wetness around the crown, which can lead to root rot. Place plants where they receive strong airflow to prevent fungal issues. This species struggles in warm, humid lowlands. Set plants shallowly in rock crevices or raised, gritty beds, mulching with grit rather than organic material, to shed water efficiently. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain its compact form and tidy appearance.
Pests and Diseases
Common Problems and Solutions
Brachyglottis pentacopa is generally trouble-free when grown in dry, airy sites that mimic its natural alpine habitat. However, prolonged humidity can invite issues like powdery mildew, and waterlog-prone soils may quickly cause lethal root rot, emphasizing the critical need for excellent drainage and good air circulation. Maintaining optimal growing conditions is key to preventing most problems.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
An alpine representative of the diverse New Zealand daisy shrubs valued by gardeners for resilience and bright seasonal flowering.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
In lowland districts, it is crucial to plant Brachyglottis pentacopa on a scree-like mound to emulate alpine drainage and dramatically reduce summer stress. This ensures the sharp drainage and cool root run essential for its survival, preventing issues like root rot in warmer, humid environments.
