This is a paper daisy which you may have seen growing in the bush, popping its flower heads up but often looking quite scraggly. Well the good news is this species of paper daisy makes a wonderful garden specimen. It responds so well to pruning, it can be shaped into a small shrub and will still reward you with dozens of flowers as the weather warms. So say hello to Coronidium elatum the lesser known paper daisy.

This species is local native to the Illawarra, spreading along the east coast of NSW into the lower part of QLD and into Eastern Victoria. These photos were taken in my own garden and Cranbourne Botanic Gardens in Victoria.

Coronidium elatum is a small compact multi stemmed shrub growing to 1mt-2mt in height, making it one of the tallest of the Everlasting daisies, and 0.5-1m in width. It is fast growing and loves to be pruned making it more compact and also giving it a boost for the next season.

The foliage is very different on either side, top side being a dark green and the under side covered in white woolly hairs. The flowers are paper white with yellow center, covering the plant for almost 6 months, from the end of Winter through to Autumn. The papery flowers will attract butterflies and bees to your garden.

Coronidium elatum can be grown in dappled shade under an existing tree or in full sun, and as long as the soil is well drained they can withstand a heavier clay soil.

Coronidum elatum is ideal for coastal or cottage gardens, poolside planting, containers and wildflower planting. The large greyish leaf contrats well with weeping grasses and greener small shrubs.

Like most Paper Daisies it can self seed in the garden given the right conditions, it can also occasional sucker if a bracnh is layered on the ground.

To dry these flowers simply cut when in full bloom and hang to dry and they will keep their colour, this enables you to bring these little sunshines inside, and enjoy for even longer!