Mountain Daisy
Celmisia durietzii
Classic alpine daisy for full sun in cool districts; plant in free‑draining, gritty soils and keep the crown dry in winter. See our alpine plants guide.
Description
Compact, silver‑leaved clumps with white daisies held above the foliage. The felted undersides and robust habit suit exposed, stony positions.
Key Identification
Silvery foliage, sturdy stems and white daisies; excels in lean, fast‑draining mixes with maximum light and moving air.
Quick Facts
Content for Celmisia durietzii ( Celmisia durietzii ).
| Scientific Name | Celmisia durietzii |
|---|---|
| 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
Content for Celmisia durietzii ( Celmisia durietzii ).
| 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 durietzii
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 durietzii 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 durietzii
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 Durietz's Mountain Daisy
From Seed
Propagation of Celmisia durietzii from seed follows standard alpine protocols. Use fresh seed collected late in the season. Older seed loses viability quickly and often enters a deep dormancy.
Sow on the surface of a gritty, sterile seed raising mix. Do not cover deeply; a dusting of grit is sufficient. Maintain moisture but ensure the tray drains perfectly. A period of cold stratification (4-8 weeks at 4°C) usually improves germination uniformity.
Germination may be sporadic. Keep the seedlings cool and well-ventilated. Damping off is a risk in humid conditions, so water carefully and ensure good air circulation. Prick out into individual pots once true leaves have formed.
From Division
Celmisia durietzii actually benefits from regular division. In the wild, and in cultivation, older clumps can become woody and rot out in the center. Lifting and dividing the plant every 3-4 years keeps it vigorous and healthy.
Perform division in early spring or autumn. Lift the clump and pull apart the rosettes. Discard the old, woody rhizomes from the center and replant the healthy, outer vigorous shoots. Trim the roots and foliage slightly to tidy the plant before replanting.
Replant firmly into gritty, free-draining soil. If the weather is dry, water regularly until the new divisions have established, but allow the soil surface to dry between waterings.
Cultivation Tips
This species is a true alpine and requires "hard" growing conditions to maintain its compact, silvery character. Rich soils can lead to soft, lax growth that is prone to disease. A lean, mineral-based soil with plenty of grit is best.
Full sun is essential for the best leaf colour and compact habit. However, the roots must not dry out completely. A deep top-dressing of gravel helps to retain moisture at depth while keeping the crown dry. It is extremely frost hardy but intolerant of the warm, humid nights often found in northern New Zealand summers.
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 smaller than the large-leaved species sometimes used for traditional weaving, Celmisia durietzii contributes to the distinctive character of alpine landscapes. Its robust silver foliage and compact form embody the resilience of native flora in harsh mountain environments, and its presence adds to the aesthetic and ecological value of these high-country ecosystems.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
For a truly thriving Celmisia durietzii, 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.
