Allan's Daisy (<i>Celmisia allanii</i>) hero image

Allan's Daisy

Celmisia allanii

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Allan's Daisy (scientific name: Celmisia allanii), is a remarkable species endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique features, ecological role, and cultural significance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and importance within the New Zealand ecosystem. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for Alpine Plants.

Allan's Daisy (<i>Celmisia allanii</i>) showing its soft, furry grey leaves and white daisy-like flowers in an alpine setting
Image credit: Allan's Daisy (Celmisia allanii) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Celmisia allanii, commonly known as Allan's Daisy, is a delightful mat-forming perennial endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. This charming alpine species is characterized by its soft, furry, grey leaves, which are light grey on the upper surface and pure white beneath, creating a subtle contrast. It forms dense, cushion-like patches that are well-suited to exposed alpine conditions. In summer, it produces an abundance of classic white, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers, held on slender upright stems, creating a beautiful display. It is known for being one of the more adaptable Celmisia species, tolerating a wider range of climatic conditions.

Quick Facts

Celmisia allanii quick facts
Scientific Name Celmisia allanii
Height 0.10-0.15 metres
Spread 0.30-0.60 metres
Water Needs Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates some drought
Light Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance Very High (Alpine hardy)
Salt Tolerance Low
Growth Rate Moderate
Lifespan 10-20 years

Climate Best Suited to

Allan's Daisy is a resilient alpine plant, thriving in the cool, crisp conditions of the South Island's montane to alpine zones. It is exceptionally hardy, withstanding severe frosts, strong winds, and periods of drought. While it prefers its natural exposed habitats, its adaptability makes it a good candidate for cultivation in various New Zealand gardens, provided good drainage and air circulation are maintained. It can be more tolerant of warmer lowland conditions than some other Celmisia species.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Allan's Daisy
City Climate Suitability
Auckland Marginal (needs good air movement)
Wellington Good
Christchurch Excellent
Dunedin Excellent
Invercargill Excellent

Plant Habitat

Celmisia allanii is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, found from Nelson south to northwestern Canterbury. Its natural habitat spans rocky or open alpine areas, montane to alpine grasslands, herbfields, boulderfields, and rock outcrops. It thrives in well-drained, exposed sites where it can form extensive mats, providing cover and stability to the high-country landscape. Its tolerance to varied conditions makes it a versatile component of these ecosystems.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Prefers humus-rich, slightly acidic, gritty soil that is moist but very well-drained. It is important to avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.

  • Humus-rich, gritty, free-draining soil
  • Slightly acidic pH preferred
  • Intolerant of heavy, wet soils

Light Requirements

Grows best in full sun, which encourages a dense, compact habit and abundant flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

  • Full sun for best flowering
  • Partial shade in hot areas
  • Avoid deep, stagnant shade

Water Requirements

Requires consistent moisture during the growing season. While it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during dry spells.

  • Consistent moisture, but no waterlogging
  • Tolerates some drought
  • Sensitive to excessive winter wetness

Planting and Establishing

Plant Allan's Daisy in a rock garden, raised bed, or crevice garden with excellent drainage. Incorporate plenty of grit and organic matter into the soil. Plant with the crown slightly elevated and top-dress with fine gravel or stone chips to ensure good air circulation around the foliage and prevent collar rot. Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain consistent moisture during establishment. Its mat-forming habit will allow it to spread gently over time.

Ecological Role

Celmisia allanii plays a vital role in New Zealand's alpine ecosystems, contributing to both soil stabilization in exposed mountain areas and supporting local biodiversity. As a member of the Celmisia genus, this mountain daisy provides essential early season nectar and pollen resources for native alpine insects, including flies, moths, beetles, and short-tongued bees that are particularly adapted to New Zealand's mountain environments. Its white, bowl-shaped flowers are specifically evolved to attract these generalist pollinators in areas where pollinator diversity may be limited by altitude and climate conditions.

The plant's extensive root system helps prevent erosion on steep alpine slopes and screes, while its woolly leaves create important microhabitats for small invertebrates. During the peak flowering period from December through March, Allan's Daisy serves as a critical food source for pollinators when few other alpine plants are blooming. Its adaptation to harsh conditions and ability to thrive in rocky, exposed sites makes it an important pioneer species that helps establish plant communities in disturbed alpine areas.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

An excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and naturalized plantings in cool-climate gardens. Its soft grey foliage offers textural contrast.

  • Rock gardens and alpine troughs
  • Groundcover for sunny banks
  • Cottage garden borders (cool climate)

Ecological Value

Its profuse white flowers attract a variety of native insects, including early season bees and butterflies, contributing to pollination in alpine ecosystems.

  • Nectar source for native insects
  • Provides shelter for small fauna
  • Stabilizes montane soils

Landscaping Uses

Used in specialized native plantings to create a natural alpine aesthetic. Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for a wider range of conditions than some other Celmisia.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Remove any dead or discoloured leaves from the previous winter to promote air circulation and prevent fungal issues. A very light, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be given if growth is sluggish.

  • Clear winter debris
  • Check for signs of rot
  • Light low-nitrogen feed

Summer

Monitor soil moisture carefully, ensuring it remains consistently damp but not wet. Ensure good air circulation, especially during warmer, humid periods.

  • Maintain consistent moisture
  • Ensure good air flow
  • Watch for aphids and mites

Autumn

After flowering, spent flower stalks can be removed for neatness. Consider dividing established clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

  • Remove spent flower stalks
  • Consider dividing clumps
  • Prepare site for winter drainage

Winter

Requires minimal attention during winter. It is exceptionally frost-hardy and benefits from snow cover, which insulates it from extreme cold.

  • Minimal intervention
  • Ensure protection from excessive wetness
  • Resistant to cold and snow

When to Prune and How Much

Pruning is generally limited to removing spent flower stalks and any dead or yellowing leaves from the rosettes to maintain plant health and prevent rot. Division every few years helps maintain vigor.

  • Remove spent flower stalks
  • Tidy dead or yellowing foliage
  • Do not cut into the main rosette

Always use sterilized, fine-pointed tools to avoid introducing pathogens and for precision around the tight foliage.

How to Grow Allan's Daisy

Cultivating Allan's Daisy (Celmisia allanii) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique flora. This species can be propagated through several methods, each requiring specific conditions to ensure healthy growth and establishment. Successful propagation depends on mimicking the plant's natural environment and providing consistent care during the early stages of development.

From Seed

Propagation from seed is often the most effective way to produce a large number of Allan's Daisy plants. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature. Freshly collected seeds generally have higher germination rates than those that have been stored for long periods.

Allan's Daisy can be grown from fresh seed, and germination is generally good. Collect fresh seeds when ripe in late summer.

  1. Sow on the surface of a gritty, free-draining seed mix.
  2. Keep moist and in a cold frame.
  3. Germination can be slow and irregular, but a short cold stratification may aid it.
  4. Grow on carefully in individual pots.

Protecting young seedlings from excessive moisture and ensuring good air circulation is critical.

From Cuttings

For those wishing to replicate specific characteristics of a parent plant, vegetative propagation via cuttings is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the source. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the appropriate season usually yield the best results for this species.

Cuttings from terminal shoots can be taken in spring or early summer, and are a reliable method.

  1. Take small, firm cuttings (7-8cm) from non-flowering shoots.
  2. Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone powder.
  3. Insert into a very gritty, well-aerated propagation mix.
  4. Place in a shaded sand plunge or propagate under mist.

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Allan's Daisy, other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.

Division of established clumps is recommended every few years to maintain vigor and prevent the center from rotting out.

  1. Carefully lift and divide a mature clump, discarding any woody central portions.
  2. Ensure each division has a substantial root system.
  3. Replant immediately into well-prepared soil.

Pests & Diseases

Generally healthy and robust. The main threats are root and crown rot if drainage is poor or conditions are too humid. Aphids can occasionally be a problem on new growth. Ensure good air circulation and well-drained soil to minimize problems.

Cultural Significance

Celmisia allanii is valued among alpine plant enthusiasts for its beautiful foliage and flowers, representing the resilience and diversity of New Zealand's high-country flora.

  • Valued for its unique foliage and flowers
  • Represents alpine resilience
  • Endemic to the South Island

Bonus Tip

To maintain a vigorous and floriferous plant, divide established clumps every 2-3 years, especially if the center begins to die out. The best time for division is in early autumn after flowering, when the plant is entering dormancy but soil is still warm enough to encourage root establishment. When dividing, ensure each section has several healthy growing points and a good portion of roots. Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil with excellent drainage, and water them in well. Keep newly divided plants slightly moist but never waterlogged during their first growing season to prevent root rot while encouraging strong establishment.

Plant Conservation

Celmisia allanii is currently classified as "Not Threatened" in the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It is widespread in suitable habitats across its South Island range. However, like all alpine species, it is vulnerable to habitat degradation from recreational activities, browsing by introduced animals, and the impacts of climate change on its specialized high-country environments.