Olearia virgata
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
- Growth rate
- vigorous
- Height
- 3.5 m
- Spread
- 3.5 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.
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand.
- Habitat
- Lowland, shrubland and boggy ground, southwards from latitude 37°s on North, South and Stewart Islands[4].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, 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[6]. Good percentage[1]. Cuttings of moderately ripe wood of the current years growth, 5 - 10cm with a heel, November in a frame. High percentage[6].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[2][3]. Thrives in a chalky soil[2] but prefers a light loam or peaty soil[1]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[5]. Plants are fairly hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[3]. This species is closely related to O. odorata[1]. A polymorphic species[4]. Plants flower best in years that follow long hot summers[3]. Very tolerant of severe pruning, this plant can be pruned right back into old wood in order to promote fresh growth[3]. Any pruning is best done in the spring[1].
References
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
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
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