Lyall's Tree Daisy
Olearia lyallii
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Olearia lyallii (Lyall's olearia) is a coastal tree daisy with leathery leaves and showy daisy heads. It thrives in sunny, free-draining coastal habitats with good air movement and moderate salt tolerance.
Identification
Simple, alternate leaves; daisy heads with white ray florets and yellowish discs. Inspect leaf texture, venation and hairiness to distinguish from allied coastal Olearia species.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Olearia lyallii |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Endemism | Endemic to New Zealand |
| Height | 2-8 m (varies with site) |
| Spread | Forms clumps or patches |
| Water Needs | Moderate; avoid waterlogging |
| Light | Full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate to high (coastal species) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Coastal temperate climates; wind and salt tolerant once established.
Regional Suitability
| City | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | 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. 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. Olearia lyallii
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. Olearia lyallii Populations of
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Olearia lyallii thrives in full sun and requires exceptionally well-drained soils, making it ideal for coastal environments with moderate to high salt exposure. While it needs consistent watering to establish a strong root system, established plants are drought-tolerant and prefer infrequent, deep watering. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its form.
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.
Ecology
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. Olearia lyallii
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 Ideas
Combine with compatible natives to echo its natural associates, and use stony or leaf‑litter mulches to reinforce the intended microclimate. Avoid cramped beds; allow room for the plant’s mature form to read as a clear structural element.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Spring: check ties and remove winter damage. Summer: water deeply but infrequently to promote deep roots. Autumn: refresh mulches and reduce irrigation as growth slows. Winter: ensure drainage and exposure are maintained, especially on heavy soils.
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 Lyall's Tree Daisy
From Seed
Propagation of Olearia lyallii from fresh seed is a viable method. Collect seeds (achenes) from the dried flower heads once they are mature, typically in late summer to autumn. Sow the seeds onto a very free-draining, gritty seed-raising mix in spring, covering lightly. Asteraceae seeds often benefit from light for germination, so maintain good light exposure. Keep the substrate evenly moist but not saturated, ensuring good air circulation to prevent damping-off. Bottom heat (around 18-24°C or 65-75°F) can aid germination. Germination can be erratic and slow, often taking several weeks to months. Once seedlings are robust enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cool, bright, and well-ventilated location until strong enough for planting out.
From Cuttings
Olearia lyallii can be successfully propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Select healthy, firm stem segments, about 10-15 cm long, from the current season's growth. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Insert the cuttings into a free-draining rooting medium such as a mix of sand and perlite. Provide bottom heat (around 18-24°C or 65-75°F) and high humidity around the cuttings, either by placing them in a propagation chamber or covering them with a plastic bag. Keep in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Rooting typically occurs reliably within 8-16 weeks. Once rooted, gradually acclimatize plants to ambient conditions before potting up.
General Cultivation
Lyall's Tree Daisy is a robust coastal tree daisy that thrives in sunny, free-draining coastal habitats with good air movement and moderate to high salt tolerance. It prefers coastal temperate climates and is wind and salt tolerant once established. Plant in full sun in well-drained soils; avoid prolonged waterlogging. This species generally benefits from an open position with good air movement. Water during establishment; thereafter, only during extended drought. Prune after flowering to maintain form and encourage new shoots. Choose a sunny, airy site for tight growth and abundant bloom. Where winds are severe, plant in the lee of taller shelterbelts so leaves keep their sheen and flower spikes set well each season. Protecting young plants from browsing where deer, goats or rabbits are present is also important.
Pests & Diseases
Good siting prevents most problems-sharp drainage and appropriate exposure are key. Protect young plants from browsing where deer, goats or rabbits are present.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
As a signature tree daisy of subantarctic and southern coastal forests, Olearia lyallii shapes wind‑shorn canopies and provides seasonal resources for wildlife. Planting eco‑ sourced material in restoration acknowledges local whakapapa and maintains the distinctive character of Rakiura and the outer islands.
Bonus Tip
Choose a sunny, airy site for tight growth and abundant bloom. Where winds are severe, plant in the lee of taller shelterbelts so leaves keep their sheen and flower spikes set well each season.
