Alpine Daisy
Celmisia alpina
Classic alpine daisy for cool, free‑draining sites; full sun with airflow, lean gritty soils, and winter dryness around the crown. See our alpine plants guide.
Description
Low, clumping alpine daisy with silver‑green leaves and white rays around golden discs. The foliage is often felted beneath, and plants prefer exposed, stony sites.
Key Identification
Silvery leaf undersides, compact rosettes and showy white daisies on short stems; excels in lean, fast‑draining mixes with high light and airflow.
Quick Facts
Information about Celmisia alpina is being researched and will be added soon.
| Scientific Name | Celmisia alpina |
|---|---|
| Height | Variable by habitat |
| Spread | Forms clumps or patches |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; free-draining soils |
| Light | Full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | High - tolerant of severe freezes |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate Suitability
Information about Celmisia alpina is being researched and will be added soon.
| 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
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. Celmisia alpina
Conservation Status
Current Threats and Protection
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. Celmisia alpina Populations of
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Provide free‑draining soils and high light appropriate to the species’ natural range. Use gritty, stony mixes and an open aspect with moving air; keep crowns high and dry, especially in winter. Choose warm, sunny sites with shelter from the fiercest onshore winds; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
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
Environmental Benefits
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. By tolerating the stresses of its environment, it helps stabilise sites and enrich small‑scale habitat diversity. Celmisia alpina
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 Alpine Daisy
From Seed
Celmisia alpina is one of the more amenable mountain daisies to grow from seed, provided the material is fresh. Viability declines rapidly, so harvest seed as soon as it ripens in late summer and sow immediately.
Prepare a seed tray with a moist, acidic, peaty mix that drains freely. A combination of peat (or a sustainable substitute), coarse sand, and grit works well. Sow the seeds on the surface; do not bury them deeply as they require light to germinate. Cover with a very fine layer of grit to anchor them.
Place the tray in a cool, shaded frame or unheated greenhouse. Germination can be erratic, taking anywhere from one to six months. Maintain even moisture-never let the tray dry out. If no seedlings appear by winter, leave the tray outside to experience natural cold stratification, which often triggers germination the following spring.
From Division
Division is a reliable and faster method for increasing established clumps of Celmisia alpina . This species forms spreading mats of small rosettes that can be carefully separated. The best time for this is in early spring, just as new growth begins, or in early autumn.
Lift the clump and gently tease the rosettes apart, ensuring each division has a good system of roots attached. Use a sharp, sterile knife if the rhizomes are tough. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil or pots.
Water the new divisions thoroughly and keep them in a humid, shaded spot for a few weeks to recover. Mist the foliage regularly to prevent dehydration while the roots re-establish.
Garden Requirements
In the garden, Celmisia alpina requires cool, moist conditions. It dislikes drying out and will suffer in hot, dry summers. An acidic, peaty soil that mimics its native boggy alpine habitat is ideal, provided it does not become stagnant.
It thrives in full sun in cooler districts but benefits from dappled shade in warmer lowland areas. Mulching with grit or stone chips helps keep the root run cool and moist. Unlike some silver-leaved species, this green-leaved daisy tolerates slightly more moisture but still demands good airflow to prevent fungal diseases like crown rot.
Pests and Diseases
Common Problems and Solutions
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
While smaller than the large-leaved species used for traditional weaving, Celmisia alpina embodies the broader cultural significance of New Zealand's alpine flora. The genus Celmisia as a whole, known as 'Tikumu' by Māori, held importance for its beautiful flowers and the protective qualities of its felted leaves. C. alpina , with its robust nature, serves as a symbol of the enduring beauty and resilience of alpine ecosystems, contributing to the rich tapestry of New Zealand's unique natural heritage.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
Successfully cultivating Celmisia alpina demands cool, moist conditions reminiscent of its natural alpine habitat, coupled with sharp drainage. It performs best in scree gardens or raised beds with gritty, humus-rich soil, and benefits from good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid environments.
