Olearia fragrantissima
Fragrant Tree Daisy is an exceptional native shrub with "At Risk - Declining" status, celebrated for producing some of the most deliciously scented flowers in New Zealand's flora. This small semi-deciduous species creates an unforgettable sensory experience with its apricot-peach scented yellow flowers that are especially fragrant at night. Endemic to the eastern and southeastern South Island, it features distinctive zigzag reddish-brown branches and small leaves with soft white undersides. Growing up to 8 meters tall with characteristic peeling greyish-brown bark, it thrives in coastal to lower montane environments. Easily propagated and drought-tolerant once established, cultivation is vital for this declining species. It represents our precious collection of threatened species.
Image credit: Fragrant Tree Daisy (Olearia fragrantissima). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Olearia fragrantissima |
|---|---|
| Height | 3-8 meters |
| Spread | 2-4 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate (drought tolerant) |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate to high |
| Salt Tolerance | Good (coastal species) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Fragrant Tree Daisy thrives in coastal to lower montane climates of the eastern and southeastern South Island, from Banks Peninsula to Southland. It prefers areas with moderate rainfall, good drainage, and tolerates both coastal exposure and inland conditions up to 300 meters elevation.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Good |
| Auckland | Good |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Good |
| Rotorua | Good |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Good |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Fragrant Tree Daisy adapts to various soil conditions:
Fragrant Tree Daisy performs well in various light conditions:
Low maintenance water needs once established:
Fragrant Tree Daisy requires minimal pruning given its conservation importance:
Given the conservation status, priority should be maintaining healthy specimens that can produce maximum flowers for both fragrance appreciation and conservation breeding.
Plant Fragrant Tree Daisy during spring when growth begins or autumn when conditions favor establishment. Given its conservation status, optimal planting conditions are important for success.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during first year until well-established. This drought-tolerant species becomes low-maintenance once established but benefits from consistent care during establishment.
Growing Fragrant Tree Daisy from seed for conservation:
Semi-hardwood cuttings are easily successful:
Due to declining status, all propagation efforts are valuable for conservation. Share plants with other conservation-minded gardeners, botanical gardens, and native plant societies.
Fragrant Tree Daisy represents both New Zealand's unique botanical heritage and the urgent need for conservation of our declining native species:
Today, Fragrant Tree Daisy represents the critical importance of conserving New Zealand's unique aromatic flora. Every cultivated specimen contributes to species preservation while providing gardeners with one of our most deliciously scented native plants.
Given its conservation status, focus on maintaining optimal growing conditions and preventing stress factors. Healthy plants are better able to resist pest and disease issues.
Plant Fragrant Tree Daisy near seating areas, bedroom windows, or pathways where the incredible apricot-peach fragrance can be fully appreciated, especially during warm summer evenings when the scent is most intense. The distinctive zigzag branches create interesting winter structure, and the semi-deciduous nature adds seasonal variety. Consider it a conservation priority - every plant grown helps preserve this declining species while rewarding you with one of New Zealand's most deliciously fragrant natives.
Learn more about threatened native species in Threatened Species.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Olearia are distinguished by their daisy-family flowers featuring white to cream ray petals surrounding yellow disc centers, borne on shrubs or small trees with characteristic flaky, furrowed bark. Leaves vary greatly between species but are typically evergreen and often have white or silvery undersides due to dense hairs. The woody growth form is unusual among the daisy family, with some species developing substantial trunks and canopies.
Tree daisies play crucial roles as pioneer species in disturbed habitats and as shelter providers for other native plants in harsh environments. Their nectar-rich flowers support native insects including butterflies and bees, while their seeds provide food for finches and other small birds. Many species form dense thickets that create microclimates allowing more sensitive plants to establish beneath their protection.
This section provides important information about plant care and cultivation practices. Understanding these aspects helps ensure successful growth and development in garden conditions.
Olearia species are exceptionally tough plants that thrive in exposed, windy conditions and well-drained soils, making them excellent for shelter and establishing gardens in difficult sites. They propagate easily from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in autumn and fresh seed, though seed viability is typically short-term. Most species prefer cool climates and may struggle in hot, humid conditions, performing best with some protection from extreme heat.
Several Olearia species face significant conservation threats, with Hector's tree daisy (O. hectorii) having only around 4,500 individuals remaining in highly fragmented South Island populations. Habitat loss, browsing by introduced mammals, and competition from invasive weeds threaten many species, particularly those with restricted ranges. Climate change may further stress alpine and subalpine species adapted to specific temperature regimes.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Olearia species were valued by Māori for their practical uses, with the strong, dense wood of larger species like akeake used for tool handles, weapons, and construction materials. The name "akeake" reflects the wood's hardness and durability, making it prized for fence posts and implements requiring strength. Some species provided traditional medicines, though specific uses varied among different iwi and regions.
Olearia have evolved remarkable adaptations including dense leaf hairs for protection from UV radiation and desiccation, and the ability to photosynthesize in low-light forest conditions. Their evolution from herbaceous ancestors to woody forms represents adaptation to New Zealand's forest-dominated landscape where height provides competitive advantage. Wind-dispersed seeds allow colonization of new habitats including disturbed sites.
Tree daisies occupy diverse habitats from coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to montane forests and alpine shrublands, with different species adapted to specific environmental conditions. Coastal species tolerate salt spray and strong winds, while montane species like mountain holly thrive in cool, moist "cloud forest" environments. Many species are found along riverbanks and in areas with good drainage but consistent moisture.
