Mountain Daisy (<i>Celmisia discolor</i>) hero image

Mountain Daisy

Celmisia discolor

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Mountain Daisy (scientific name: Celmisia discolor), 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.

Mountain Daisy (<i>Celmisia discolor</i>) showing its rosettes of green and pale-backed leaves and white daisy-like flowers in an alpine setting
Image credit: Mountain Daisy (Celmisia discolor) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Celmisia discolor, commonly known as Mountain Daisy, is a beautiful perennial herb endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. This species forms attractive rosettes of leaves that are typically dark green on the upper surface and distinctly paler or silvery-white felted beneath, a characteristic reflected in its name "discolor." Its leaves are often stiff and leathery, well-suited to the exposed conditions of its alpine habitat. In summer, it produces charming white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, held aloft on woody, often hairy stems, adding a vibrant touch to montane and alpine landscapes.

Quick Facts

Celmisia discolor quick facts
Scientific Name Celmisia discolor
Height 0.10-0.20 metres
Spread 0.30-0.60 metres
Water Needs Moderate; requires consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogging
Light Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance Very High (Alpine hardy)
Salt Tolerance Low
Growth Rate Slow
Lifespan 15-30 years

Climate Best Suited to

The Mountain Daisy (Celmisia discolor) is a specialist of the alpine and subalpine environments of New Zealand's South Island. It is exceptionally hardy to severe frosts, snow, and strong winds. It requires cool temperatures and good air circulation, making it challenging in hot, humid lowland gardens. In cultivation, it thrives in well-drained, gritty soils that remain consistently moist, mimicking its natural habitat where snowmelt provides constant hydration.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Mountain Daisy
City Climate Suitability
Auckland Poor (too hot and humid)
Wellington Marginal (needs very good drainage)
Christchurch Good
Dunedin Excellent
Invercargill Excellent

Plant Habitat

Celmisia discolor is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, predominantly found in alpine to subalpine herb-fields and grasslands, at elevations between 1000 and 1700 metres. It prefers open, well-drained positions on stony ground, where it can receive ample sunlight and benefit from good air movement. While widespread, it is less common in the drier eastern regions and south of Canterbury, favoring more consistently moist alpine sites.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Demands exceptionally well-drained, gritty, and stony soil that remains cool and moist. It is highly sensitive to heavy or waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

  • Moist, very gritty, free-draining soil
  • Stony or scree-like substrates
  • Intolerant of heavy clay or waterlogging

Light Requirements

Grows best in full sun in its natural alpine range. In lowland gardens, it benefits from partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch.

  • Full sun in cool climates
  • Partial shade in hot areas
  • Needs bright, open exposure

Water Requirements

Requires consistent moisture, particularly during its active growth phase. While it tolerates occasional dry spells, prolonged drought will stress the plant.

  • Consistent moisture, but never soggy
  • Water deeply and infrequently
  • Intolerant of prolonged drought or waterlogging

Planting and Establishing

To plant Mountain Daisy, choose a site that provides perfect drainage, such as a rock garden, scree bed, or a very free-draining raised bed. Incorporate abundant grit, scoria, or coarse sand into the planting mix. Plant the daisy with its crown slightly elevated above the surrounding soil level and top-dress with a generous layer of fine gravel to prevent moisture accumulation around the base and encourage good air circulation. Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain consistent moisture during establishment.

Ecological Role

Celmisia discolor plays a vital role in stabilizing alpine soils and contributing to the biodiversity of high-altitude grasslands, providing shelter and food for specialized alpine fauna.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

A highly sought-after plant for alpine gardens, scree beds, and containers, where its unique foliage and charming flowers can be admired.

  • Alpine and rock gardens
  • Scree beds and raised planters
  • Container gardening

Ecological Value

Its flowers provide nectar for native alpine insects, including butterflies and moths, which are important pollinators in these often-barren environments.

  • Nectar source for alpine pollinators
  • Habitat for small invertebrates
  • Soil stabilization in exposed areas

Landscaping Uses

Ideal for specialized landscaping projects aiming to replicate a true New Zealand alpine aesthetic. Its architectural form makes it a striking feature plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Remove any dead or damaged foliage from the previous winter to promote air circulation and prevent fungal issues. A very light, low-nitrogen feed can be given if needed.

  • 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. Prepare the site for winter, ensuring drainage remains excellent to prevent waterlogging.

  • Remove spent flower stalks
  • Check drainage for winter
  • Refresh gravel top-dressing

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.

  • Remove spent flower stalks
  • Tidy dead or yellowing foliage
  • Avoid cutting into the main rosette

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

How to Grow Mountain Daisy

Cultivating Mountain Daisy (Celmisia discolor) 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 Mountain 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.

Mountain Daisy can be grown from fresh seed, but it requires specific conditions for successful germination. Collect fresh seeds when ripe in late summer.

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

Providing natural winter chilling can aid germination, and protecting young seedlings from excessive moisture 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.

Hardwood cuttings can be taken, but success rates can be variable and establishment is slow.

  1. Take small, firm cuttings in late spring to early summer.
  2. Dip in strong rooting hormone powder.
  3. Insert into a very gritty, well-aerated propagation mix.
  4. Provide bottom heat and ensure high humidity.

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Mountain 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 is not typically recommended as it can be very stressful for this slow-growing plant.

  1. Avoid division unless absolutely necessary.
  2. If attempting, divide in early spring with extreme care.
  3. Ensure each division has a substantial root system.

Pests & Diseases

Highly susceptible to root and collar rot if drainage is poor or conditions are too humid. Aphids can sometimes be a problem on new growth. Ensure excellent drainage and good air circulation to prevent issues.

Cultural Significance

Mountain Daisy is valued by alpine plant enthusiasts for its unique silver foliage, representing the specialized adaptations of New Zealand's high-country flora.

  • Prized by alpine plant collectors
  • Represents unique alpine adaptations
  • Endemic to the South Island

Bonus Tip

To achieve the best silvery colour and compact form, ensure your Mountain Daisy receives maximum sunlight and impeccable drainage, mimicking its high-country habitat.

Plant Conservation

Celmisia discolor is currently classified as "Not Threatened" in the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It is widespread in suitable habitats across the South Island. However, like many 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.