Coast Daisy Bush

Coast Daisy Bush (Olearia axillaris) is a silvery Australian native shrub for salt spray, coastal wind and sandy soil. It is variable in size but typically grows 1m to 2m tall and wide, with narrow, greyish, aromatic leaves and small cream flowers tucked between them in summer and autumn. It makes a rugged informal hedge or windbreak.

Why you'll love it

• Silver foliage all year. Narrow greyish leaves with a musky aroma give a cool contrast to green plantings.
• Built for the coast. It handles salt spray, coastal winds and sandy, salty soils and still looks good.
• Drought tolerant. It tolerates dry spells, though it performs better with regular water.
• Shelter for wildlife. It works as a windbreak and refuge, and the flowers feed pollinators.
• Light upkeep. A light haircut after flowering keeps it bushy and growing strongly.

Where it works best

Informal hedging. Plant 80cm apart in a single row. The plants close into a soft silver hedge, and an annual trim after flowering keeps it dense.

Windbreaks. Use it along an exposed boundary to take the wind off tenderer plants behind it.

Sandy, exposed sites. Where soil is thin and sandy and the wind is relentless, it gives you silver structure when many other shrubs fail.

Coastal and native gardens. Plant it near the sea, or among natives and cottage plants, to add silver foliage that ties other colours together.

Growing Coast Daisy Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade. The species grows down the south-eastern coast from NSW to Tasmania, and it suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Protect it from prolonged frost.

Soil. Well-draining soil. Sandy and salty soils are fine.

Water and feed. Water until it is established, and mulch around young plants to hold moisture in sandy soil. After that it tolerates dry spells, but regular water gives a better plant.

Pruning. Give it a light haircut of the leafy growth after flowering. This keeps it bushy and strong in ornamental settings.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Coast Daisy Bush as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. A tube is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and tube stock is the sensible choice for a long hedge or windbreak. The 140mm pots start a little taller. Plants arrive upright and should settle in within a few weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Our best hedging plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Planning a coastal garden that survives salt and wind
• More Australian native shrubs

Common questions

How big will it get?

The species is very variable in size. Expect 1m to 2m in height and width, and shape it with a light trim after flowering. Plants vary a little from one to the next, so a hedge will look slightly informal rather than rigid.

Does it handle salt wind?

Yes. It stands up to salt spray, coastal winds and sandy soils, which is why it suits exposed seaside boundaries.

How cold can it go?

It grows naturally down to Tasmania, but protect it from prolonged frost. Shelter young plants in the first winter.