How to Grow Henry Travers Daisy Bush

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Henry Travers Daisy Bush

Olearia × haastii 'Henry Travers'

shrub

A compact, evergreen shrub prized for its silvery-green foliage and masses of small, fragrant white daisy-like flowers. This hybrid Olearia is a New Zealand native that creates attractive hedges or specimen plantings with minimal maintenance requirements.

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Example Henry Travers Daisy Bush timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Henry Travers Daisy Bush
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Henry Travers Daisy Bush
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Henry Travers Daisy Bush dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during first growing season and dry spells; reduce in winter. Prefers drier conditions to wet soil.

📏

Spacing: 24 inches

📅

Days to maturity: Not applicable (woody shrub)

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; firm soil around base

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Sand or grit for drainage Organic compost Perlite for container growing

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8b-10a; prefers mild maritime climates

8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

3-6 months

Young plant with sparse silvery foliage establishing root system

Water regularly to maintain moist (not wet) soil. Provide shelter from harsh winds. Mulch base lightly to retain moisture.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Plant develops compact, bushy form with increasing silvery-gray foliage density

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning into bare wood. Remove any dead or damaged growth.

Pre-flowering

4-6 weeks

Mature foliage fully developed; buds form along branch tips in late spring

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering. Ensure good air circulation. No special feeding required if soil is adequate.

Flowering

6-8 weeks (typically June-August)

Profusion of small, fragrant white daisy-like flowers covering the plant

Flowers are attractive to bees and beneficial insects. Light deadheading encourages extended bloom. Provide consistent moisture during flowering.

Post-flowering/Dormancy

4-6 months

Flowers fade; plant enters winter dormancy with foliage remaining silvery and evergreen

Reduce watering in winter. Prune immediately after flowering to shape plant and remove spent flower heads. Protect from extreme frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Cistus Santolina Helichrysum Santolina Gaura

Avoid planting near:

Rhododendrons Azaleas Blueberries Plants requiring acidic soil

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil during dormancy; hand-remove if severe
Improve air circulation; remove affected leaves; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe

Uses

🏠

Ornamental Hedging & Screening

Household

Its compact growth habit and dense evergreen foliage make it ideal for low hedges, windbreaks, or coastal screening. The silvery foliage provides year-round visual interest. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Bee Plant

Wildlife

The profuse daisy flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations. [source]

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Herbal Tea & Aromatic Foliage

Culinary

Leaves can be used to make a fragrant herbal tea with mild antiseptic properties. The foliage has a pleasant aromatic quality when brushed. [source]

🎨

Cut Flowers & Foliage

Craft

Small white flowers and silvery-gray foliage are excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements, providing both color contrast and long vase life. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

In New Zealand traditional use, Olearia species were employed for respiratory support and general wellness; leaves contain aromatic volatile oils. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not a harvest plant; deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer blooming period and neater appearance. Cut sprigs of foliage for floral arrangements.

Fun Facts

🌱 Olearia 'Henry Travers' is named after Henry Harold Travers, a renowned New Zealand botanist and plant collector who specialized in native flora.
🌱 This hybrid combines the hardiness and compact growth of Olearia × haastii with exceptional ornamental qualities, making it superior to parent plants for garden cultivation.
🌱 The silvery foliage contains fine hairs (trichomes) that reflect sunlight and reduce water loss, an adaptation to New Zealand's often windy, coastal environments.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade

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