25x Olearia Fragrantissima - $4.99 each
A fine-twigged, divaricating New Zealand native valued for its dense mesh of branchlets and tiny leaves, creating a superb wildlife-friendly shelter or clipped hedge. In late spring to early summer it bears masses of small, sweetly scented white flowers that attract pollinators. Tough, wind-tolerant and frost-hardy once established. Key Features
Foliage: Minute, bright to grey-green leaves tightly spaced on interlacing branchlets; very tidy texture for hedging or habitat planting.
Flowers & Fruit: Clouds of tiny, fragrant white daisies in late spring/early summer; nectar sources for insects; occasional seed heads follow.
Form & Habit: Naturally divaricating, twiggy, and upright; clips cleanly for narrow hedges/shelter.
Growth Rate: Moderate in free-draining soils.
Cultural/Ecological Value: Excellent habitat plant for small native birds and invertebrates; tolerant of coastal wind and dry conditions once established. Mature Size Height Spread Form 2–4 m (kept 1–2 m as a hedge) 1.5–3 m (pruned narrower for hedges) Dense, divaricating, upright Ideal Growing Conditions Light Water Soil pH Frost Tolerance Full sun to light shade Low–moderate once established; regular moisture through first summer Free-draining; tolerates stony, sandy, and limestone soils; avoid waterlogging Slightly acidic to alkaline Hardy; shelter very young plants from severe frost/wind burn Landscaping & Garden Uses
Narrow hedges and shelter belts that stay neat with light clipping
Habitat/native gardens for structure and cover
Coastal and dry sites (with drainage)
Textural foil behind showier perennials and shrubs Care & Maintenance
Planting/Spacing (hedge): 50–80 cm apart for a fast, tight knit.
Pruning: Light trims once or twice a year to maintain line; harder shape in late winter if needed.
Feeding: Light controlled-release fertiliser in spring; mulch annually.
Watering: Keep evenly moist through establishment; low input thereafter in suitable soils.
Health: Avoid heavy, wet clays; good airflow reduces mildew risk. Additional Tips
Leave a few stems un-clipped over spring to enjoy the scented flower display before your summer tidy-up. Fun Fact
Divaricating shrubs like O. odorata create intricate twig “cages" that offer superb refuge for small birds and insects in windy, open landscapes. Why Choose Olearia odorata?
Dense texture, fragrant spring bloom, and outstanding hardiness make it a low-maintenance hedge/shelter for tough sites—while boosting biodiversity. Pot Size
(per your standard template) Olearia fragrantissima (Fragrant Tree Daisy) Plant Details Plant Name Common Names Family Origin Type Olearia fragrantissima Fragrant tree daisy Asteraceae Aotearoa New Zealand Evergreen shrub Overview
A compact New Zealand native celebrated for its intensely perfumed white blossoms in spring. With neat grey-green foliage and a naturally bushy habit, O. fragrantissima suits smaller gardens, paths and entrances where its scent can be fully appreciated. Hardy and easy in free-draining soils. Key Features
Foliage: Small, grey-green leaves (often silvery beneath) on fine branchlets; tidy year-round.
Flowers & Fruit: Profuse highly fragrant white daisy-like flowers in spring; loved by pollinators.
Form & Habit: Compact, rounded to upright bush; clips well after flowering.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural/Ecological Value: Excellent nectar source; suitable for dry/shrubby native plantings. Mature Size Height Spread Form 1–2 m 1–1.5 m Compact, bushy, rounded Ideal Growing Conditions Light Water Soil pH Frost Tolerance Full sun to light shade Moderate; drought-tolerant once established Well-drained; prefers sandy/loamy or stony soils Slightly acidic to neutral to slightly alkaline Hardy in most gardens; protect seedlings from severe frost Landscaping & Garden Uses
Scented hedges and path edges (place where fragrance is noticed)
Courtyards/entrances and containers (with drainage)
Mixed native and pollinator plantings; coastal-tolerant sites Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Lightly trim after flowering to shape and encourage density.
Feeding: A light spring feed