Daisy Bush
Olearia telmatica
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Olearia telmatica occurs near wetland margins and damp lowland sites. As a daisy family member, it bears typical capitula and provides seasonal resources for native insects.
Identification
Shrub to small tree with simple, alternate leaves; daisy heads with white rays and yellowish discs. Separate from similar species by habitat association, leaf texture, and capitulum size/arrangement.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Olearia telmatica |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Habitat | Wetland margins, damp lowland sites |
| Height | 2-8 m (varies with site) |
| Spread | 40-120 cm across |
| Water Needs | High - consistent moisture |
| Light | Full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Climate Suitability
A Chatham Islands species associated with permanently to seasonally wet sites, including lake and pond margins, backwaters and slow stream edges. Performs best in mild, oceanic climates with even rainfall, saline winds tempered by shelter, and cool summers. In cultivation, reliable soil moisture and full sun produce a compact habit and regular flowering.
| 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
A conspicuous component of Chatham Island swamp forest and wetland margins. Occurs where perched water tables or shallow flooding persist, from pond and lake edges to slow rivers and spring‑fed seepages. Frequently rooted in saturated peats and silts, often with other akeake/ Olearia species and sedges.
Conservation Status
Current Threats and Protection
Not Threatened within its restricted Chatham Islands range. Primary risks are wetland drainage, browsing and weed invasion. Protecting swamp forest remnants, excluding stock and restoring hydrology support long‑term viability.
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Prefers moist but free-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Keep the root zone mulched to retain moisture. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain form.
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
Plant on berms or mounds adjacent to wetlands to ensure free drainage at the crown; mulch to retain moisture without waterlogging the root zone.
Ecology
Provides nectar and pollen to invertebrates and seasonally shelters wetland fauna. Woody structure slows water and traps suspended fines, helping to build swamp forest soils and protect margins from wave and flood scouring.
Uses
Traditional and Modern Applications
Useful as a native buffer along ponds and slow waterways, where it softens hard edges and supports wildlife. Combine with sedges, rushes and other Chatham taxa in restoration or with damp‑tolerant shrubs in amenity plantings.
Landscaping Ideas
Combine with sedges and rushes to stabilise damp ground and soften the transition from open water to shrubland. Mass along pond edges for reflected plume effects and to create sheltered pockets for wildlife moving between water and land.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Spring: refresh mulch and check for weed ingress. Summer: do not allow root zones to dry- top up irrigation during extended dry spells. Autumn: tidy spent inflorescences and reinforce mulch before winter rains. Winter: monitor for waterlogging that may bury lower stems and adjust grades if necessary.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Minimal pruning required beyond removing storm‑damaged shoots and lightly shaping after flowering to maintain a compact outline. Avoid hard cuts into old wood.
How to Grow Daisy Bush
From Seed
Propagation of Olearia telmatica from fresh seed is a viable method. Collect seeds (achenes) from the dried flower heads in spring when they are fluffy and mature. Sow the seeds onto a very free-draining seed-raising mix, covering them very 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. 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 telmatica can be successfully propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. 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 coarse, free-draining rooting medium such as a mix of sand and perlite. Provide gentle 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 bright shade or filtered light. Rooting typically occurs reliably within 8-16 weeks. Once rooted, gradually acclimatize plants to ambient conditions before potting up.
General Cultivation
Telmats Tree Daisy is a shrub to small tree associated with wetland margins and damp lowland sites, particularly on the Chatham Islands. It performs best in mild, oceanic climates with even rainfall and cool summers. In cultivation, reliable soil moisture and full sun produce a compact habit and regular flowering. It prefers moist but free-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Plant on berms or mounds adjacent to wetlands to ensure free drainage at the crown, mulching to retain moisture without waterlogging the root zone. Keep the root zone mulched to retain moisture. Water during establishment; thereafter, ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, as it has high water needs. Minimal pruning required beyond removing storm-damaged shoots and lightly shaping after flowering to maintain a compact outline. Avoid hard cuts into old wood.
Pests and Diseases
Common Problems and Solutions
Generally robust where moisture is reliable. Poor airflow may promote scale and sooty mould on shaded interior branches; thin lightly to improve ventilation. Exclude browsing animals in restoration settings.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
A distinctive component of Chatham Islands swamp forest. Planting eco‑sourced material supports local whakapapa and wetland restoration, helping rebuild resilient, functioning native communities.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
To successfully cultivate Olearia telmatica, mimic its natural wetland margin habitat by ensuring reliable soil moisture. Planting on a low berm or mound adjacent to water features can provide the necessary consistent moisture while maintaining the free drainage essential for its crown, fostering vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
