Mountain Daisy
Celmisia haastii
Provide full sun, airflow and a gritty, lean mix; keep the crown dry in winter. See our alpine plants guide.
Description
Neat rosettes of narrow leaves with showy white daisies in season. Best in raised, stony positions with excellent runoff and high light.
Key Identification
Narrow leaves, tidy habit and prominent daisies; plant high among gravel for winter dryness and long‑term success.
Quick Facts
Content for Celmisia haastii ( Celmisia haastii ).
| Scientific Name | Celmisia haastii |
|---|---|
| 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 haastii ( Celmisia haastii ).
| 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 haastii
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 haastii 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 haastii
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
Celmisia haastii is primarily propagated from seed, as it does not always form clumps that are as easy to divide as other species. Fresh seed is crucial. Sow immediately after collection in autumn.
Use a very gritty, low-nutrient compost. Sow thinly on the surface and cover with a layer of fine grit. Place the containers in a cold frame where they are exposed to winter chilling but protected from heavy rain. Germination typically occurs in spring as temperatures rise.
Seedlings are tiny and slow-growing. They may need to remain in the seed tray for two years before they are robust enough to transplant. Keep them weed-free and moist during this time.
From Division
While less common than seed propagation, division is possible if the plant has formed a multi-rosetted mat. Attempt this in spring.
Carefully detach rooted side shoots from the main plant. Because Celmisia haastii often grows in very loose, rocky substrate in the wild, it may have a spreading root system that requires care to lift intact. Pot up divisions into a mix of 50% grit and 50% alpine compost.
Keep the divisions shaded and cool. High humidity is beneficial for leaf hydration initially, but the roots must not sit in water.
Cultivation Advice
Celmisia haastii is a specialized plant for the alpine enthusiast. It requires a scree garden, trough, or crevice garden with rapid drainage. In nature, it is often found in herbfields and rocky places where snow lies late.
It demands full sun and cool temperatures. It will struggle in humid, lowland climates unless special care is taken to provide a cool root run and excellent air movement. Watering should be plentiful during the growing season (mimicking snowmelt) but reduced in late summer and autumn. It is completely hardy to cold.
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
Named after Julius von Haast, a prominent geologist and explorer of New Zealand, Celmisia haastii holds significance as part of the iconic 'Tikumu' genus, revered by Māori for its resilience and beauty in alpine environments. While this species' specific cultural uses are not well-documented, the collective symbolism of Celmisia represents the enduring spirit of New Zealand's high country, a land of harsh beauty and unique biodiversity. Its presence is a testament to the specialized adaptations of native flora to extreme conditions.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
For a truly thriving Celmisia haastii, replicate its natural alpine conditions by providing full sun, excellent drainage in gritty soil, and good air circulation. Minimize intervention, avoiding rich composts and excessive moisture, particularly in winter, to encourage a compact and resilient plant.
