Mountain Daisy
Celmisia discolour
Classic alpine daisy for cool, sunny, free‑draining sites; use lean, gritty soils and keep the crown dry in winter. See our alpine plants guide.
Description
Clump-forming alpine daisy noted for its differently coloured leaf surfaces-often green above and paler or felted beneath. Stout stems carry white daisies with yellow centres.
Key Identification
Contrasting leaf surfaces, tidy rosettes and white daisies on short stems; thrives in lean, fast‑draining substrates with high light and good airflow.
Quick Facts
Content for Celmisia discolour ( Celmisia discolour ).
| Scientific Name | Celmisia discolour |
|---|---|
| Height | Variable by habitat |
| Spread | Forms clumps or patches |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; free-draining soils |
| Light | Sun to light shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High - tolerant of severe freezes |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate Suitability
Content for Celmisia discolour ( Celmisia discolour ).
| 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 discolour
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 discolour 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 discolour
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 Mountain Daisy
From Seed
Growing Celmisia discolour from seed can be a rewarding challenge. Seed set is often low, and viability can be poor, especially if the plant has not been cross-pollinated by another clone. Harvest seed in autumn when the heads dry out.
Surface sow the seeds on a mix of equal parts seed compost, grit, and perlite. Water the tray from the bottom to avoid displacing the seeds. Place the tray in a cold frame or a sheltered spot outdoors. Natural winter cold is often necessary to stratify the seeds and induce germination in the spring.
Seedlings grow slowly. Keep them in their pots for at least a year, protecting them from slugs and snails which find the young succulent leaves attractive. Transplant carefully, minimizing root disturbance.
From Division
Division is the most reliable propagation method for the Mountain Daisy, Celmisia discolour . Mature clumps can be lifted and divided in spring or autumn. This rejuvenates the plant and stimulates fresh growth.
Carefully lift the plant and shake off excess soil. Separate the rosettes by hand or with a knife, ensuring each division has a viable piece of root. It is often beneficial to trim the foliage by about one-third to reduce water stress on the new division while it grows new roots.
Pot up the small divisions into a gritty alpine mix and keep them in a shaded, humid frame until they show signs of new growth. Once established, they can be planted out into their permanent position.
Cultivation and Care
Celmisia discolour is a stunning foliage plant that requires specific conditions to thrive. It needs a cool, moist root run but the foliage must remain dry. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; planting on a slope or in a raised scree bed is ideal.
It prefers full sun in alpine or cool climates but will need protection from the midday sun in hotter, lowland areas. High humidity is its enemy; ensure good airflow around the plant. Do not bury the stems; sit the plant slightly high and top-dress with stone chips to prevent collar rot. This species is ideal for alpine troughs where its moisture and drainage needs can be precisely managed.
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
As a member of the iconic Celmisia genus, known as 'Tikumu' by Māori, this species shares in the broader cultural reverence for New Zealand's mountain daisies. While its smaller size and mat-forming habit might not have made it ideal for cloak weaving like some larger relatives, it contributed to the visual landscape of the high country, symbolizing purity and resilience. Its distinctive contrasting leaf surfaces ( discolour meaning 'two-coloured') also highlight the diverse adaptations within this significant native group.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
For a truly thriving Celmisia discolour, focus on sharp drainage and good airflow, especially in lowland gardens where humidity can be an issue. Mimic its natural alpine habitat by planting in scree beds or raised rockeries, ensuring its crown stays dry to prevent rot, allowing this stunning plant to flourish.
