Pachystegia insignis Daizea

Pachystegia insignis Daizea is a bushy daisy from New Zealand that is quite unique and very beautiful. It is moderately hardy and perfectly suited to coastal areas. It captivates with its beautiful evergreen grey-silver foliage, covered in white felt in spring, and its long spring to summer flowering period. Its flowers are heads, similar to those of white daisies with golden yellow hearts. This large perennial prefers a sunny exposure and well-drained soil, not too dry in summer to support its flowering. It can be welcomed in a large pot on the terrace to be stored in a cold region, or in a well-drained bed in a mild maritime or oceanic climate. 

Pachystegia insignis, also known as Olearia insignis, is a perennial shrub of the Asteraceae family, just like sunflowers and chrysanthemums. It is a botanical species native to the northeast coast of the South Island in New Zealand. It can be found growing on steep sandstone cliffs, exposed to the sea, directly facing the spray, braving storms and relatively dry and hot summers.

The recently obtained cultivar 'Daizea', developed by INRA, stands out mainly for its beautiful foliage and strongly white, grey, and silver tinted flower buds. The plant grows into a ramified bush, reaching a height of 1m (3ft) to 1.20m (4ft) in all directions. The persistent foliage consists of ovate to elliptical, entire, thick, and leathery leaves covered in a grey down, more or less light depending on the humidity of the soil and air. They measure 8 to 20cm (3 to 8in) long and have a felted underside. The spring shoots are covered in a beautiful white down. Flowering takes place from May to July, earlier or later depending on the climate, and lasts approximately 2 months. The flowers are heads measuring 5 to 6cm (2in) in diameter, composed of a double row of white ligulate florets surrounding a golden yellow centre. They are followed by the formation of fruits resembling small beige to greyish pompoms.

Plant Olearia and Pachystegia in a seaside garden, as they withstand wind and spray perfectly and particularly appreciate sandy or humus-rich, and slightly calcareous soils. The long summer drought in the Mediterranean, and especially the often highly calcareous soils in this region, are less well tolerated. They are small flowering shrubs, typically characterized by their beautiful persistent foliage and generous flowering, which make a statement in the garden and impress visitors. They can be associated with myrtles, rockroses, Nerium, Melaleuca, Callistemons, and Leptospermum in large persistent and flowering beds for much of spring and summer. They also thrive in large pots on a sheltered terrace or balcony. Gardeners in more continental regions, where winters are harsh and humid, should bring them indoors to a lightly heated greenhouse.