Mountain Daisy

Mountain Daisy (Ixodia achillaeoides) is a tall Australian native that carries broad, flat heads of tiny cream-white daisies over soft green foliage in spring and summer. It grows 1 to 2m tall and wide, loves coastal conditions and cuts well, fresh or dried. It dislikes humidity, so it suits the cooler and drier parts of the country best.

Why you'll love it

• Cauliflower-like flower heads. Hundreds of tiny off-white daisies, with sandy-brown or bluish centres, cluster into broad heads that look much like a yarrow.
• A good cut flower. The stems last well in a vase and dry successfully, so one plant supplies flowers for the house.
• Coastal tough. It grows wild around the coasts of South Australia and neighbouring Victoria, tolerates salt soil and takes moderate frost.
• Adaptable and variable. Height and leaf shape differ widely across its range, which is why it is also known as sand ixodia.
• A true Australian native. It fits native and cottage-style plantings alike, without looking out of place beside either.

Where it works best

Cottage-style borders. Plant 1m apart at the back or middle of a mixed border, where the pale flower heads soften bolder colours.

Coastal gardens. Salty soil and sea air suit it. Use it on sandy sites where many shrubs struggle, in full sun with good drainage.

Rockeries and dry flower gardens. In a dry climate it is a reliable rockery and flower garden plant, especially among other waterwise natives.

A cutting patch. Three plants set 1m apart give a steady supply of fresh and dried flowers each spring and summer.

Growing Mountain Daisy in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It does not like humidity, so it is happiest in Mediterranean, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens with drier air. Humid subtropical gardens are a poor match. It tolerates moderate frost.

Soil. Moist, free draining soil suits it. Sandy soils and coastal sites are fine, but avoid sites that stay wet.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, then avoid over watering. Feed with a native slow release fertiliser after pruning. This keeps the plant healthy and lengthens its life.

Pruning. Prune after flowering, taking off spent flower heads and a little foliage. Like many native daisies it is not a long-lived plant, so regular pruning and feeding are how you get the most from it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mountain Daisy as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted into well-drained soil. Plant it out soon after it arrives, and water it in well.

Because tube stock comes from our grower, it is not always on hand. A sold out tube on this page means the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button emails you the day it returns.

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

• More Australian native plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Rockery plants
• The best plants for coastal gardens in Australia

Common questions

Will it grow in a humid climate?

It is not a good match. Mountain Daisy dislikes humidity and does best where the air is drier, such as the southern coast, Mediterranean regions and cooler inland gardens.

How do I dry the flowers?

Cut stems when the flower heads are fully open, strip the lower leaves and hang them upside down in a dark, airy spot. They hold their shape and cream colour for months.

How tall will it grow?

Between 1 and 2m, with a similar spread. Height varies from plant to plant, and a light prune after flowering keeps it neater.