Sticky Mountain Daisy (<i>Celmisia viscosa</i>) hero image

Sticky Mountain Daisy

Celmisia viscosa

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Sticky Mountain Daisy (scientific name: Celmisia viscosa ), 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 .

Sticky Mountain Daisy (<i>Celmisia viscosa</i>) showing its rigid, sticky green leaves and white daisy-like flowers in a rocky alpine environment
Image credit: Sticky Mountain Daisy ( Celmisia viscosa ) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Celmisia viscosa , commonly known as the Sticky Mountain Daisy, is a robust and distinctive alpine subshrub endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It forms low, bushy cushions of rigid, linear leaves that are notably thick and leathery. As its name suggest, the entire plant is covered in a viscid (sticky) secretion, which is especially noticeable on the flowering stems and young foliage. The upper surface of the leaves is a bright, clear green, while the underside is protected by a dense, white, felted tomentum. In mid-summer, the plant produces attractive daisy-like flowers with white ray florets and a bright yellow central disk, held aloft on sturdy, sticky stalks.

Quick Facts

Celmisia viscosa quick facts
Scientific Name Celmisia viscosa
Height 0.10-0.20 metres
Spread 0.30-0.50 metres
Water Needs Moderate; requires consistent moisture but hates stagnant water
Light Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance Very High (Alpine hardy)
Salt Tolerance Low
Growth Rate Slow
Lifespan 10-30 years

Climate Best Suited to

The Sticky Mountain Daisy is a true specialist of the high country, thriving in the cool, breezy conditions of New Zealand's upper montane and alpine zones. It is exceptionally resistant to frost and snow load. While it can be grown in lowland gardens, it is sensitive to high humidity and extreme summer heat. In warmer districts, it must be provided with a very free-draining site and a position that captures cooling breezes to mimic its natural mountain habitat.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Sticky Mountain Daisy
City Climate Suitability
Auckland Poor (too humid)
Wellington Good (in rock gardens)
Christchurch Excellent
Dunedin Excellent
Invercargill Excellent

Plant Habitat

Naturally occurring east of the main divide in the South Island, Celmisia viscosa is a common inhabitant of alpine grasslands, herbfields, and fellfields. It is particularly well-adapted to rocky sites, often colonizing rock outcrops and stable boulder-fields (talus). It thrives in environments with continuous air movement and cool, gritty root runs, where it often grows alongside other resilient alpine species such as Aciphylla and Chionochloa.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Requires a gritty, very free-draining soil that remains cool and moist. It will not tolerate heavy, waterlogged clay.

  • Moist, gritty, free-draining soil
  • Prefers humus-rich scree
  • Excellent drainage is essential

Light Requirements

Prefers full sun in its natural alpine range. In lowland gardens, it benefits from a position that avoids the most intense afternoon heat.

  • Full sun in cool climates
  • Afternoon shade in warmer areas
  • Avoid deep, stagnant shade

Water Requirements

Needs consistent moisture during the growing season. It appreciates regular watering but the site must never become boggy.

  • Maintain even moisture
  • Mist with water in dry heat
  • Never allow to dry out completely

Planting and Establishing

To plant the Sticky Mountain Daisy, select a site that mimics an alpine scree or rock garden. A raised bed or a sloping site with plenty of grit incorporated into the soil is ideal. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot but no deeper. Place the plant so the crown sits slightly high to prevent rot. Backfill with a gritty soil mix and top-dress with a layer of stone chips or small river stones. This helps keep the foliage away from damp soil and maintains a cool root zone. Water in well and ensure the area has good air circulation.

Ecological Role

Celmisia viscosa fulfills important ecological functions in New Zealand's alpine and subalpine ecosystems. This sticky-leaved mountain daisy attracts a variety of native pollinators with its white flowers, including endemic flies, moths, and beetles that have co-evolved with New Zealand's alpine flora. The sticky leaf surfaces may also play a role in trapping small insects, potentially supplementing the plant's nutrition in nutrient-poor alpine soils.

The species contributes significantly to ecosystem stability through soil retention and microhabitat creation. Its fibrous root system helps prevent erosion on steep alpine slopes, while the viscid leaves provide unique habitats for specialized alpine invertebrates. The plant's ability to colonize rocky outcrops and disturbed areas makes it an important pioneer species that facilitates succession in harsh mountain environments.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

It is a prized specimen for alpine troughs, rock gardens, and scree beds. Its unique texture and sticky foliage provide year-round interest even when not in flower.

  • Alpine troughs and containers
  • Rock and scree gardens
  • High-country themed plantings

Ecological Value

Its daisy-like flowers are a source of nectar for native alpine butterflies, moths, and bees during the short mountain summer.

  • Nectar for alpine insects
  • Provides shelter for soil fauna
  • Stabilizes rocky alpine ground

Landscaping Uses

While specialized, it is used by landscapers to create authentic New Zealand mountain-themed gardens. It pairs beautifully with other silver or grey-leaved alpine plants for a subtle, textured look.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Check the plant for any winter damage and remove dead leaves from around the base to improve airflow. A very light feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer can be beneficial.

  • Clear winter debris
  • Check for collar rot
  • Light low-nitrogen fertilizer

Summer

Ensure the plant remains moist during dry spells. Misting the foliage in the early morning can help the plant cope with lowland heat.

  • Maintain soil moisture
  • Mist foliage in dry heat
  • Watch for pests like aphids

Autumn

This is a good time to tidy the plant after flowering. Remove old flower stalks to keep the cushion compact and healthy.

  • Remove old flower stalks
  • Check drainage for winter
  • Refresh stone mulch

Winter

Generally requires very little care. It is naturally adapted to being covered by snow and will handle the coldest New Zealand winters with ease.

  • Minimal maintenance
  • Resistant to heavy snow
  • Ensure drainage stays clear

When to Prune and How Much

Pruning is minimal and mainly involves removing spent flower stalks and any dead or damaged foliage to prevent rot within the dense cushion.

  • Remove old flower stalks
  • Tidy dead lower leaves
  • Do not prune into old wood

Use fine-pointed snips to reach into the center of the plant. Always clean your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of fungal issues.

How to Grow Sticky Mountain Daisy

Cultivating Sticky Mountain Daisy ( Celmisia viscosa ) 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 Sticky 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.

Sowing fresh seed is the most reliable way to propagate Celmisia, although germination can be slow and requires patience. Collect seed as soon as it is ripe in late summer.

  1. Surface sow on a gritty seed mix.
  2. Keep moist and place in a cold frame over winter.
  3. Expect germination in spring as temperatures rise.
  4. Do not bury seeds as they may need light to germinate.
  5. Grow on in pots before transplanting.

Seeds must be fresh; stored seed often has very low fertility. Natural winter chilling aids the germination process.

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.

Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken, but they can be tricky to root and require careful management of moisture and light.

  1. Take small cuttings in late spring or summer.
  2. Use a very free-draining propagation mix.
  3. Maintain high humidity but good air movement.
  4. Protect from direct sun until rooted.

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Sticky 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.

Established clumps can sometimes be divided in early spring, though this can be stressful for the parent plant.

  1. Carefully lift a portion of the clump.
  2. Ensure each division has a good root system.
  3. Pot up and keep in a sheltered, humid spot.

Pests & Diseases

The main threat is collar rot caused by excessive moisture around the crown. Aphids can occasionally target the new growth and flower buds. Root-knot nematodes can be a problem in some garden soils. Ensure good drainage and airflow to minimize disease risk.

Cultural Significance

The mountain daisies are iconic symbols of the New Zealand high country, frequently appearing in art and literature as representations of the rugged beauty of our alpine regions.

  • Iconic New Zealand alpine flower
  • Symbol of the high country
  • Endemic to the South Island

Bonus Tip

Always top-dress around your Celmisia with stone chips. This not only looks great but is the single best way to prevent the dreaded crown rot.

Plant Conservation

Celmisia viscosa is currently classified as "Not Threatened" in the New Zealand Threat Classification System. It is relatively common in its specialized high-altitude habitats throughout the South Island. However, it is highly vulnerable to the encroachment of invasive alpine weeds and the long-term effects of climate change, which may reduce the extent of its required cool, high-country environments.