Mountain Daisy
Celmisia monroi
Provide sun, airflow and a lean, gritty mix; protect the crown from winter wet. See our alpine plants guide.
Description
Evergreen rosettes bearing white daisies in season; foliage often narrow with a paler underside. Well suited to raised, stony beds and troughs.
Key Identification
Compact rosettes and bright daisies; demands lean, fast‑draining soils and high light to persist.
Quick Facts
Content for Celmisia monroi ( Celmisia monroi ).
| Scientific Name | Celmisia monroi |
|---|---|
| Height | Variable by habitat |
| Spread | Forms clumps or patches |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; free-draining soils |
| Light | Sun to light shade |
| 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 monroi ( Celmisia monroi ).
| 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 monroi
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 monroi 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 monroi
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 monroi is best grown from fresh seed collected in late summer. Seed viability decreases with age, so sowing immediately after collection or storing in a fridge for stratification is recommended.
Sow on the surface of a gritty compost mix designed for alpine plants. A period of cold stratification (1-3 months) usually improves germination rates significantly. Keep the seed tray in a cool, bright place but out of direct scorching sun.
Germination can be slow and irregular. Do not discard the seed tray too early; some seeds may take a year or even longer to sprout. Prick out seedlings once they are large enough to handle into individual deep pots.
From Division
Established plants can be successfully divided in early spring or autumn. This practice is beneficial not only for propagation but also to maintain the vigour of the plant and prevent central dieback.
Lift the plant and carefully separate the crowns. Ensure each division has healthy roots and a good fan of leaves. Discard any woody or rotting parts from the centre of the old clump. Replant immediately into gritty, free-draining soil.
Keep the new divisions moist and shaded until they show signs of fresh growth, then gradually move them to a brighter position.
Cultivation Notes
This Mountain Daisy requires typical alpine conditions: full sun, excellent drainage, and a cool root run. It is ideal for a scree garden, raised bed, or alpine trough.
Protect the crown from excessive winter wet with a collar of grit or stone chips. It is extremely hardy to cold but will suffer in hot, humid summers without adequate drainage and airflow. Watering should be regular during the growing season, simulating the snowmelt of its natural habitat, but must be reduced significantly in winter to prevent the fleshy roots from sitting in stagnant moisture.
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 David Monro, a colonial politician and botanist, Celmisia monroi holds significance as part of the wider 'Tikumu' genus, revered by Māori. While specific historical uses for this species may not be detailed, the general importance of Celmisia as a source of material for weaving (for larger-leaved species) and as a prominent feature of alpine landscapes endures. It serves as an emblem of New Zealand's unique mountain flora, symbolizing resilience and the adaptations of native plants to harsh high-country environments.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
For a truly thriving Celmisia monroi, focus on its specific alpine needs: full sun, sharp drainage, and good air circulation. Plant it high among gravel or in a scree bed to protect its crown from winter wet, mimicking its natural, exposed mountain habitat for optimal health and vigor.
