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Common Name:

General Information

Olearia ilicifolia is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3.00 metres tall.
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand.

Habitat

Lowland to sub-alpine forest and scrub, southwards from latitude 38°s on North, South and Stewart Islands[].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[, ]. Thrives in a chalky soil[] but prefers a light loam or peaty soil[]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[, ].
This species is not very hardy outside the milder western and south-western maritime areas of Britain[], tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[].
Closely related to O. macrodonta, but somewhat hardier, it succeeds outdoors at Wakehurst Place in Sussex[].
The flowers have a strong musky perfume[]. The plant flowers best in years following long hot summers[].
Plants can be pruned right back into old wood in order to promote fresh growth[]. Any pruning is best done in the spring[].
The flowers are fragrant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Very resistant to maritime exposure and tolerant of severe pruning, this plant can be used as an effective windbreak hedge in exposed maritime areas. It is best if left untrimmed[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in early spring in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. If growth has been sufficiently good, plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of the following year, otherwise grow them on for another year in pots and plant them out the following early summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Pot up in late August and overwinter in a cold frame then plant out in late spring or early summer[]. Good percentage[].
Cuttings of moderately ripe wood of the current years growth, 5 - 10cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame. High percentage[].