Brachyglottis monroi aka Monro's Ragwort

Brachyglottis monroi, or Monro's ragwort, is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range lies on New Zealand's South Island. There, it grows in mountain shrubland and rocky sites. Its range extends into the subalpine zone. The name Senecio monroi is a synonym for this species.

This shrub has a small, rounded, bushy form. The RHS gives a garden height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its spread reaches 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Plants For A Future describes hedges reaching 4.9 feet [1.5 metres] tall. Growth is slow, so a dense hedge takes time to form. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size. The leaves are dark green, oblong, and edged with waves. They reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] long. White felt covers their undersides, contrasting with the green upper surface. The plant keeps its leaves through the year. Bright yellow flowers form large clusters with branching stems. Each flower measures about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] across.

Grow this shrub in full sun and soil that drains well. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. South-facing or west-facing sites suit its need for sun. It can grow in exposed places as well as sheltered ones. The evidence describes tolerance of both dry and moist conditions. The RHS also records drought resistance. It assigns the plant a UK hardiness rating of H4. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10.

Its tolerance of coastal exposure makes it useful near the sea. Plants For A Future describes its use as a windbreak hedge. Its evergreen leaves and dense form give this hedge lasting structure. The RHS suggests courtyard gardens, cottage gardens, and flower beds. It also lists wildlife gardens and Mediterranean-style planting as suitable uses. Semi-hardwood cuttings provide a way to raise more plants.

The RHS reports few pest problems and lists low-maintenance planting among its uses. Honey fungus may affect plants where the fungus is present. The degree of risk remains unclear. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards, but this does not establish edible or pet-safe status.