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Common Name:

General Information

Olearia macrodonta is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6.00 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 to 1300 metres, southwards from latitude 37° 30's on North and South Islands[].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
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[].
A very ornamental plant[], it is almost hardy throughout Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[] if sheltered from cold winds[]. Flowers best in years following long hot summers[].
Withstands light trimming but dislikes being cut back hard into old growth, it is best to trim new growth by 50% each year in order to promote basal shoots[]. Any pruning is best done in the spring[].
This plant is possibly a hybrid O. arborescens x O. ilicifolia. There are a number of named forms, the cultivar 'Major' is faster to establish than the type[].
The whole plant is aromatic[]. The leaves emit a powerful musk scent when bruised whilst the flowers are honey-scented[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Very resistant to maritime exposure, this plant can be used as an effective windbreak hedge in exposed maritime areas[]. One report says that it is tolerant of severe pruning[], whilst another says that it is better not to prune severely[]. Moderately fast growing.

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. Very easy, succeeding even when the cuttings are planted directly into their permanent positions in exposed sites[].