Olearia avicenniifolia aka Mangrove Leaf Daisybush

Olearia avicenniifolia, called akeake, is an evergreen shrub from New Zealand. It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range includes South Island and Stewart Island. On South Island, it grows in sub-alpine scrub. It occurs at heights up to about 3,280 feet [1,000 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In British gardens, plants reach about 6.6–9.8 feet [2–3 metres] tall. The reported spread is about 16.4 feet [5 metres]. Growth is very slow in Britain, so a hedge takes time to develop. The shrub keeps its leaves throughout the year. Flowers appear from August to September in the cited account. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains well. This shrub does not grow in shade. It prefers moist soil with a moderate level of nutrients. Light loam or peaty soil suits it well. Sandy soils also suit it, and it can thrive on chalk. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and alkaline ground, including very alkaline soil. These broad soil tolerances give gardeners some choice of planting sites.

Salt-laden coastal winds suit this shrub better than severe inland cold. It withstands strong sea exposure and also tolerates air pollution. In Britain, it grows best in mild western and southwestern coastal districts. Reports differ on its cold tolerance. One gives about 14°F [−10°C]; another gives about 5°F [−15°C]. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10. These figures do not remove the need to consider local winter conditions.

Its resistance to coastal winds makes it useful as a windbreak hedge. It also stands up to hard pruning. Cutting back into old wood can bring fresh growth. Spring is the advised time for pruning. Grow new plants from seed or cuttings. Sow seed on the compost surface in early spring under glass. Keep the compost from drying out. Young seedlings need a greenhouse for their first winter. Half-ripe cuttings with a heel can root in a frame during July or August. Protect rooted cuttings through winter before planting out. PFAF records no known edible or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards, rather than proof of safety.