Olearia ilicifolia
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Olearia genus in the family Compositae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Olearia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 3 m
- Spread
- 3 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[7].
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand.
- Habitat
- Lowland to sub-alpine forest and scrub, southwards from latitude 38°s on North, South and Stewart Islands[8].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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, July/August in a frame. Pot up in late August and overwinter in a cold frame then plant out in late spring or early summer[10]. Good percentage[2]. Cuttings of moderately ripe wood of the current years growth, 5 - 10cm with a heel, November in a frame. High percentage[10].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[3][5]. Thrives in a chalky soil[3] but prefers a light loam or peaty soil[2]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[2][9]. This species is not very hardy outside the milder western and south-western maritime areas of Britain[1], tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[5]. Closely related to O. macrodonta, but somewhat hardier, it succeeds outdoors at Wakehurst Place in Sussex[2]. The flowers have a strong musky perfume[6]. The plant flowers best in years following long hot summers[5]. Plants can be pruned right back into old wood in order to promote fresh growth[5]. Any pruning is best done in the spring[2]. The flowers are fragrant[4].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649
Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00