Ixodia achillaeoides
sand ixodia
Overview
Ixodia achillaeoides is an evergreen shrub 1.5-4 feet (0.5-1.2 m) tall and 1.5-3 feet (0.5-1 m) wide, with erect, branching stems. The leaves are narrow, 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) long, dark green, and somewhat sticky and aromatic, scattered along the stems. In summer the branch tips carry dense flat-topped clusters of small daisy flower heads, each about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across with white papery bracts surrounding a yellow centre; the heads hold their form when dried. I. achillaeoides grows on sandy and rocky soils in heath, mallee, and rocky hillsides across southern Australia. The dried flower heads have been used in the cut and dried flower trade. The plant needs sharp drainage and full sun, and grows poorly in heavy or shaded sites. Plants tend to become woody and open at the base with age, and are relatively short-lived.
Native Range
Ixodia achillaeoides is native to southern Australia, occurring in South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. It grows in heath, mallee, and rocky hillsides on sandy and stony soils.Suggested Uses
I. achillaeoides is grown in native, coastal, and low-water gardens, and as a source of dried flowers, spaced 1.5-2 feet (0.5-0.6 m) apart. It also suits rockeries and sunny mixed shrub borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs through summer, roughly November to February in the native range. Flat-topped clusters of small white papery daisy heads cover the branch tips. The dried heads persist on the plant and are visited by insects.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow centreFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
I. achillaeoides grows in full sun in sandy, sharply drained soils and tolerates dry, exposed positions once established. Watering through the first growing season supports establishment, after which little extra water is needed. It withstands light frost in USDA zones 9-10. Heavy, wet soils and shade reduce growth and shorten the plant's life. Light pruning slows the tendency to become woody and leggy.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering, cutting back the spent flowering stems, keeps the shrub dense and delays woodiness. I. achillaeoides regrows from semi-hard wood but not from old bare stems. Tip-pruning of young plants builds a fuller shape.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons