Durietz's Mountain Daisy (<i>Celmisia durietzii</i>) hero image

Durietz's Mountain Daisy

Celmisia durietzii

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Durietz's Mountain Daisy (scientific name: Celmisia durietzii ), 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 .

Durietz's Mountain Daisy (<i>Celmisia durietzii</i>) showing its rosettes of broad, leathery leaves and white daisy-like flowers in an alpine setting
Image credit: Durietz's Mountain Daisy ( Celmisia durietzii ) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Celmisia durietzii , commonly known as Durietz's Mountain Daisy, is a robust perennial subshrub endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. This striking alpine plant forms large, handsome rosettes of broad, leathery leaves that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, often with a dense white tomentum on the underside. Its rigid leaves are well-adapted to the harsh alpine environment, providing resilience against strong winds and cold. In summer, it produces impressive white, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers, held aloft on sturdy, often hairy stalks, making it a prominent feature of montane and alpine landscapes.

Quick Facts

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

Climate Best Suited to

Durietz's Mountain Daisy is a hardy alpine species, well-suited to the cool, montane to alpine climates of the South Island. It exhibits excellent tolerance to frost, snow, and strong winds. It requires good air circulation and low humidity to thrive, making it challenging in warmer, more humid lowland gardens. When cultivated, it needs conditions that closely mimic its natural exposed, stony mountain habitat.

Regional Suitability

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

Plant Habitat

Endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, Celmisia durietzii is found from Marlborough south to Fiordland, inhabiting montane to alpine grasslands, herbfields, and fellfields. It is often found on exposed rock outcrops and tors, where it establishes itself in gritty soil pockets. Its natural habitat is characterized by sharp drainage, high light levels, and continuous air movement, which are crucial for its successful growth.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Demands exceptionally free-draining, gritty, and stony soil. It is very sensitive to heavy or waterlogged conditions, which can lead to rot.

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

Light Requirements

Requires full sun for optimal health, robust growth, and prolific flowering. It will become leggy and less vigorous in shaded conditions.

  • Full sun essential
  • Avoid shade
  • Needs bright, open exposure

Water Requirements

Needs consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly from spring to late summer. However, it is crucial to avoid any waterlogging.

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

Planting and Establishing

Plant Durietz's Mountain Daisy in a very well-drained site, ideally a scree bed, rock garden, or a raised planter with a custom alpine mix. Ensure excellent drainage by incorporating plenty of coarse grit, pumice, or scoria. Plant with the crown slightly proud of the soil level and top-dress with fine gravel or stone chips to maintain dry foliage and cool roots. Good air circulation is paramount; avoid sheltered, humid spots.

Ecological Role

Celmisia durietzii serves as an important component of New Zealand's alpine biodiversity, particularly in the western ranges of the South Island. This mountain daisy provides crucial early-season nectar resources for native alpine pollinators, including flies, moths, and small native bees that are active during the short alpine flowering season. The plant's white flowers, typical of the Celmisia genus, are adapted to attract these generalist pollinators in environments where specialized pollination relationships are rare.

The species contributes to ecosystem stability through its role in soil retention on steep alpine slopes and screes. Its fibrous root system helps bind loose substrate, reducing erosion in areas prone to frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, the silvery, hairy leaves provide important microhabitats for alpine invertebrates, offering protection from UV radiation and temperature extremes while creating humid microclimates that support diverse arthropod communities.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

A highly prized specimen for alpine houses, rock gardens, scree beds, and specialized containers. Its bold foliage and large flowers make it a focal point.

  • Alpine houses and containers
  • Rock gardens and scree beds
  • Focal plant for alpine themes

Ecological Value

Its flowers provide nectar for native alpine insects, including butterflies and bees, contributing to the biodiversity of high-country ecosystems.

  • Nectar source for alpine pollinators
  • Provides shelter for small fauna
  • Stabilizes montane soils

Landscaping Uses

Celmisia durietzii offers unique ornamental value in rock gardens and alpine plantings with its distinctive silvery-grey foliage and white daisy flowers. This compact mountain daisy works beautifully in troughs, raised beds, or tucked between rocks where drainage is excellent. Its low-growing habit makes it suitable for edging paths or creating textured groundcover in cool-climate gardens. The plant pairs well with other silver-leaved plants and provides striking contrast against dark stone or mulch. For best results, provide a mulch of fine gravel around the crown to improve drainage and prevent crown rot. This species is particularly valued for its tolerance of exposed, windy sites once established.

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 feed 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 3-4 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 3-4 years can help maintain plant 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 Durietz's Mountain Daisy

Cultivating Durietz's Mountain Daisy ( Celmisia durietzii ) 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 Durietz's 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.

Durietz's 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 Durietz's 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 of established clumps is recommended every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

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

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

Durietz's 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 Durietz's Mountain Daisy receives maximum sunlight and impeccable drainage, mimicking its high-country habitat.

Plant Conservation

Celmisia durietzii 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.