This large shrub to small tree has solitary or mutable trunks with spreading branches that form a compact rounded crown. It has stiff leathery gray green toothed lanced-shaped leaves and the white daisy-like flowers appear in a cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Olearia ilicifoliais naturally found in the north and south islands of New Zealand and on Stewart Island growing in coastal lowlands and sub-alpine forests to an altitude of 835m (2739 ft).

It prefers a semi shaded to sunny protected position and grows in well drained sandy-stony to clay loams with a pH 5.5-6.5 and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Mountain Holly is grown for its bushy growth habit and its flowers. It is planted in garden borders for screening or as a specimen and is used in group plantings in parks and large gardens. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions, establishing in 3-4 years. It can also be trimmed as an informal hedge and when young it is planted in tubs and planter boxes. In woodland settings it is commonly planted as an understory and is usually associated with water courses.ID 3237

Olearia(o-lee-AH-ree-a) ilicifolia(il-liss-ee-FOH-lee-uh)

Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)     
(Compositae)
Sunflower Family