Hector's Daisy (<i>Celmisia hectori</i>) hero image

Hector's Daisy

Celmisia hectori

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Hector's Daisy (scientific name: Celmisia hectori ), 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 .

Hector's Daisy (<i>Celmisia hectori</i>) showing its brilliant silver-plated leaves forming low patches in a rocky alpine landscape
Image credit: Hector's Daisy ( Celmisia hectori ) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Celmisia hectori , commonly known as Hector's Daisy, is a spectacular perennial subshrub endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. This highly ornamental species forms dense, prostrate patches that can spread significantly, characterized by its remarkably silvery foliage. Its linear to obovate leaves are thick, leathery, and entirely covered in a dense, satiny, whitish tomentum, giving them a brilliant silver-plated appearance that is truly eye-catching. While it does produce daisy-like flowerheads with white ray-florets and yellow disk-florets on short stems, it is primarily grown for its superb foliage.

Quick Facts

Celmisia hectori quick facts
Scientific Name Celmisia hectori
Height 0.05-0.15 metres
Spread Up to 1.8 metres in diameter
Water Needs Moderate; requires consistent moisture but intolerant of waterlogging or drought
Light Full sun
Frost Tolerance Very High (Alpine hardy)
Salt Tolerance Low
Growth Rate Slow
Lifespan 10-25 years

Climate Best Suited to

Hector's Daisy is a specialist of the South Island's cooler, higher-rainfall montane to subalpine climates. It is exceptionally hardy against severe frosts, strong winds, and snow. It is intolerant of high humidity and prolonged summer heat, which can lead to fungal issues. In lowland gardens, it requires impeccable drainage, a bright, airy position, and protection from summer stress to thrive. It performs best in conditions that closely mimic its natural alpine environment.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Hector's 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, Celmisia hectori is found from Canterbury southwards, inhabiting montane to subalpine grassland, herbfield, and rocky places. It is particularly associated with higher-rainfall areas within these zones. Its ability to form low-growing, extensive mats makes it a significant component of the alpine flora, contributing to ground stabilization and providing unique habitat in exposed, rocky terrain.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Demands moist, yet exceptionally well-drained and gritty soil. It is very sensitive to poor drainage, which can quickly lead to root rot.

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

Light Requirements

Requires full sun for optimal growth and to maintain its characteristic compact, silvery foliage. It will become leggy and less vigorous in shade.

  • Full sun essential for best form
  • Avoid any shade
  • Needs bright, open conditions

Water Requirements

Needs consistent moisture but is highly intolerant of wet feet. Watering should be regular but infrequent, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between applications.

  • Consistent moisture, but no waterlogging
  • Avoid overhead watering
  • Drought intolerant

Planting and Establishing

Hector's Daisy is best planted in a well-prepared rock garden or scree bed that provides excellent drainage and a cool root run. Position the plant so its crown is slightly raised and top-dress generously with stone chips or coarse gravel to ensure good air circulation around the foliage and prevent collar rot. Dig a wide but shallow hole, incorporating plenty of grit into the backfill. Ensure good airflow and avoid planting in humid, sheltered spots.

Ecological Role

As a mat-forming alpine species, Celmisia hectori contributes to soil stability in rocky, exposed areas and creates a microclimate for small alpine invertebrates.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

A highly prized specimen for alpine houses, rock gardens, and specialized scree beds. Its striking silver foliage makes it a focal point.

  • Alpine houses and containers
  • Rock gardens and scree beds
  • Foliage plant for texture and contrast

Ecological Value

Its small flowers provide nectar for a range of specialized alpine insects, contributing to the biodiversity of high-country ecosystems.

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

Landscaping Uses

Celmisia hectori brings distinctive alpine character to rock gardens and specialized alpine plantings. This mountain daisy creates striking focal points with its rosettes of narrow, silvery leaves and cheerful white flowers. It excels in raised beds, scree gardens, or alpine troughs where sharp drainage can be assured. The plant's compact growth habit makes it ideal for small gardens or container cultivation in cool climates. Combine with other New Zealand alpines, dwarf conifers, and cushion plants to create authentic mountain landscapes in miniature. Mulch with crushed rock or gravel to enhance drainage and create a naturalistic appearance that showcases the plant's architectural form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Remove any dead or discoloured leaves that have accumulated during winter to maintain airflow and prevent rot. A very light, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied if growth is sluggish.

  • Clear winter debris
  • Check for signs of rot
  • Light low-nitrogen feed

Summer

Monitor carefully for adequate moisture, especially in hot spells, but avoid overwatering. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

  • Maintain consistent moisture
  • Ensure good air flow
  • Watch for aphids

Autumn

After flowering, spent flower stalks can be removed. Prepare the site for winter, ensuring drainage remains excellent.

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

Winter

Requires minimal care. It is highly frost-hardy and often protected by snow cover in its natural habitat.

  • Minimal intervention
  • Ensure protection from excessive wetness
  • Resistant to cold and snow

When to Prune and How Much

Pruning is typically limited to removing spent flower stalks and any dead or unhealthy leaves from the rosettes to maintain plant health and prevent rot.

  • Remove spent flower stalks
  • Tidy dead or yellowing leaves
  • 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 Hector's Daisy

Cultivating Hector's Daisy ( Celmisia hectori ) 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 Hector's 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.

Hector's 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 Hector's 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

Hector's Daisy is highly valued among 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 Hector's Daisy receives maximum sunlight and impeccable drainage, mimicking its high-country habitat.

Plant Conservation

Celmisia hectori 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.