Olearia macrodonta 'Minor'

A shrubby daisy-on-a-stick from New Zealand, this one smaller than the species, reaching only 3 ft tall and as wide with soft green, crinkle-textured leaves and corymbs of white flowers in the summer. Like the species, aging bark peels in graceful strips. Full sun is best with well-drained soil and average summer water. Frost hardy to 10F, USDA zone 8.

Here we have just the plant for all you card-carrying members of the "I love Olearia macrodonta but it gets too darn big" Society. With this form, all the wonderful features of Olearia macrodonta - from toothy leaves with grey undersides, to showy white flowers - are available on a splendid little compact plant to only 2 - 3' tall and wide. Like the regular form, it tolerates breezy coastal conditions well, and is moderately drought tolerant but doesn't mind being watered. Its space-efficient stature also makes it well-suited to containers. We thank Sean Hogan at Cistus Nursery for sharing this with us many years ago. Hardy to about 12 - 15°F.