How to Grow Olearia microdisca

Olearia microdisca

shrub

Olearia microdisca, commonly known as New Zealand holly or small-headed daisy bush, is a compact evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. It features small, glossy, holly-like leaves and produces abundant clusters of tiny white or pale pink daisy-like flowers. This ornamental shrub is valued for its dense foliage, attractive flowers, and tolerance of coastal conditions.

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Example Olearia microdisca timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Olearia microdisca
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Olearia microdisca
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Olearia microdisca dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering

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Water: Moderate watering; prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil. Once established, fairly drought tolerant. Water regularly during first growing season; reduce frequency in dry climates after establishment.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable - ornamental shrub; reaches mature size in 3-5 years

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as in nursery container; plant crown at or slightly above soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged bark for drainage improvement Sand or perlite if soil is heavy clay Avoid excessive peat moss

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11, hardy to zone 8b

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First 6-12 months

Young shrub with initial leaf development and root establishment

Water regularly and consistently; shelter from strong winds; apply light mulch around base; avoid transplant shock by planting in mild weather

Vegetative Growth

Year 1-2

Shrub develops dense branching and foliage; no flowers yet or minimal flowering

Light pruning to encourage bushy growth; maintain consistent moisture; fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer; mulch to retain moisture

Flowering

Spring through early summer (2-3 months), may repeat in autumn

Produces abundant clusters of small white or pale pink daisy-like flowers throughout stems

Deadheading extends flowering season; maintain regular watering; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage over flowers; protect from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates

Seed Development

1-2 months following flowering

Flowers fade and develop into small seed heads if not deadheaded

Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired; deadhead spent flowers to maintain appearance and encourage more blooms

Dormancy/Maintenance

Autumn through early spring

Growth slows in winter; foliage remains evergreen and glossy

Minimal watering required; no fertilizer needed; light pruning acceptable; protect from hard freezes in zone 8; hardy to cold winds

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Escallonia Griselinia Hebe Leptospermum (New Zealand Tea Tree) Pittosporum Garrya Phormium (New Zealand Flax) Cordyline Lavender Rosemary

Avoid planting near:

Phytophthora-susceptible plants in poorly drained soils Plants requiring acidic soil if using lime-rich amendments Very large trees that create excessive shade

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; improve air circulation
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if necessary
Prune out heavily infested branches; horticultural oil spray; insecticidal soap in spring when crawlers active
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur dust or baking soda spray; thin shrub if needed

Uses

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Coastal Landscape & Hedging

Ornamental

Olearia microdisca excels in coastal gardens due to its salt tolerance and wind resistance. It makes an excellent informal hedge, specimen plant, or screening shrub, especially valuable in maritime climates where many plants struggle. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The abundant small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]

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Foliage Interest

Ornamental

Beyond flowers, the dense, glossy, holly-like evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, texture, and visual interest in garden designs. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

The delicate flower clusters and attractive foliage work well in fresh flower arrangements and floral designs, particularly for spring and early summer bouquets. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flowers regularly during bloom season (spring-early summer) to encourage continuous flowering and maintain neat appearance. For cut flowers, harvest flower clusters in early morning when blooms are fully open. Prune after main flowering period (early summer) to maintain shape and size; can also rejuvenate older plants with heavier pruning.

Fun Facts

🌱 Olearia microdisca is native to New Zealand and belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), making it a relative of sunflowers and chrysanthemums despite its shrubby growth form.
🌱 The genus Olearia comprises about 160 species, mostly from Australasia, and many are valued for their exceptional salt and wind tolerance, making them ideal for challenging coastal environments.
🌱 The common name 'New Zealand holly' refers to the superficial resemblance of its small, glossy, spiny-edged leaves to English holly (Ilex aquifolium), though the plants are unrelated.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

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