Olearia argophylla
musk daisy-bush
Overview
Olearia argophylla is an evergreen shrub to small tree in the daisy family, reaching 10-33 ft (3-10 m) tall and 6-15 ft (1.8-4.5 m) wide. It grows in the moist understorey of cool temperate and wet sclerophyll forests of south-eastern Australia. The alternate leaves measure 2.5-5.5 in (6-14 cm) long, with a coarsely toothed margin, dark green upper surface, and dense silvery-white tomentum on the underside; crushed foliage releases a musk scent. From spring into summer the plant carries branched clusters of small white daisy flower-heads, each head 0.2-0.3 in (5-8 mm) across with a yellow centre. It forms a multi-stemmed, spreading canopy and often regenerates after fire from a woody base. In gardens it requires a sheltered, shaded to part-shaded position and consistently moist, free-draining soil, and is sensitive to prolonged drought and hot, exposed sites. Growth is moderate, and plants are comparatively short-lived, declining after 15-25 years. The species tolerates light frost once established, though young growth can be damaged by hard frost.
Native Range
Olearia argophylla is endemic to south-eastern Australia, occurring in Victoria, Tasmania, and southern New South Wales. It grows in cool temperate rainforest, fern gullies, and wet sclerophyll forest, typically below 3,300 ft (1,000 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Used as an understorey or screening shrub in shaded, moist gardens and in rainforest-style or native plantings. Suited to fern gullies and cool courtyards where soil stays damp. Spaced 6-10 ft (1.8-3 m) apart for an informal screen.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 33'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow centreFoliage Description
dark green above, silvery-white belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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
Grow in a shaded or part-shaded position sheltered from hot afternoon sun and drying wind. Supply moist, humus-rich soil with free drainage, mimicking the forest-floor conditions of its origin. Water regularly through dry periods, as the species does not tolerate extended drought. Mulch maintains the cool, even root-zone moisture it requires. Light frost is tolerated once established, though young foliage may be cut back by hard frost. Feeding is rarely needed in fertile soils.Pruning
Trim lightly after flowering to shape the canopy and remove spent flower clusters. Older specimens can be cut back into younger wood, from which the species reshoots readily. Remove dead or frost-damaged stems in spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer