One of my favorite Olearia’s, so hard to pick just one. Olearia tomentosa is possibly the neatest of the Olearia’s naturally creating a rounded form and very tough. It would be lovely to be seen more often, it is a hardy shrub for well drained, moist soils in full sun or semi shade.

The leaves are a rich mid-green, with dense hairs on the underside, with scalloping along their margins, giving it the common name – Toothed Daisy Bush.

This Daisy-bush grows right along the south coast of NSW, and in the Illawarra region It grows in a range of soil types and is happy in full sun or part shade. It grows up from 1-2mts in height and the same in width.

Flowering on mass in spring and early summer the mauve flowers cover the entire plant.

It can become leggy with age, pruning annually after flowering is recommended to restore its density. The flowers attract bees, insects and butterflies.

The species is tolerant of at least moderate frost and, once established will tolerate extended dry conditions but is unlikely to look at its best unless ample water is available. It is also tolerant of salt spray, a great addition to a coastal garden.

Olearia tomentosa has many uses, it is suitable to be grown in a container and also perfect for a cottage garden. If planted close together can create a low growing hedge and with those woolly leaves would also be a great inclusion to a sensory garden.

There is a spot in every garden for an Olearia tomentosa, im off to the nursery!