Every time I see this dense medium sized native shrub in flower it is covered in insects, perhaps because the shrub itself is covered in tiny flowers. This is Olearia microphylla and I am also very taken with its thick rambling habit and ability to fill a difficult spot. Olearia is a wonderful genus, the daisy flower heads range in size with each species but they all contribute greatly as a food source not just for pollinating insects but small insect eating birds too.

Olearia microphylla or small leaved Daisy Bush has tiny dark green leaves and masses of miniature white flowers in Spring.

This species is extremely hardy and will grow in full sun to part shade and can withstand frost and long dry periods. It flowers best in full sun.

Olearia microphylla can be found growing naturally on sandstone soils in NSW and QLD but also grows well in Victoria and ACT. The images in this post were taken in Melbourne in one of the connecting pollinator gardens, in March non the less and it is still covered in flower.

Another excellent attribute of this native shrub is it is very quick growing and will speedily create habitat in your garden.