The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name:

General Information

Olearia virgata is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3.50 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, shrubland and boggy ground, southwards from latitude 37°s on North, South and Stewart Islands[].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
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[].
Plants are fairly hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[].
This species is closely related to O. odorata[].
A polymorphic species[].
Plants flower best in years that follow long hot summers[].
Very tolerant of severe pruning, this plant can be pruned right back into old wood in order to promote fresh growth[]. Any pruning is best done in the spring[].

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.

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[].