Olearia Avicennieafolia
Olearia avicenniaefolia
Overview
Olearia avicenniaefolia is a hardy, attractive NZ native shrub valued for its thick, silver-grey foliage and strong performance in exposed, coastal and dry conditions. With its tidy rounded form and seasonal display of soft white daisies, it brings both structure and brightness to native and mixed garden plantings.
Key Features
Foliage:
Thick, leathery, silver-grey leaves with a slightly felted underside—excellent for wind and salt exposure. Provides strong year-round colour and texture.
Flowers / Fruit:
Clusters of small white daisy-like flowers in summer, lightly perfumed and attractive to pollinators. Occasional small seedheads follow.
Form & Habit:
Dense, upright to rounded shrub with sturdy branches and a naturally tidy habit.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Highly valued for coastal and exposed sites. Flowers support native insects and bees. Provides shelter and structure in restoration and dryland plantings.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 2–3 m |
| Spread | 1.5–2 m |
| Form | Upright to rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low once established; excellent drought tolerance |
| Soil | Prefers free-draining soils; tolerates poor, sandy and coastal soils |
| pH Range | Neutral to alkaline |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Coastal gardens and very exposed windy sites
-
Shelterbelts and screening for dry or harsh environments
-
Silver foliage contrast shrub in native garden designs
-
Excellent for restoration and tough low-maintenance landscapes
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Light trim after flowering or annually to maintain dense shape.
Watering: Minimal once established; water well during the first season.
Feeding: Not usually needed; apply slow-release fertiliser in spring if soil is poor.
Pests & Diseases: Generally very hardy and trouble-free.
Additional Tips
Plant in full sun for best structure and foliage colour. Ideal for pairing with flaxes, coprosmas, and drought-tolerant grasses.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
The thick, silver foliage is an adaptation to coastal conditions—reflecting sunlight, resisting salt burn, and reducing water loss.
Why Choose Olearia avicenniaefolia?
A tough, handsome silver-leaved shrub that thrives where many plants struggle—perfect for coastal, dry and windy South Island landscapes.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
