Celmisia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Celmisia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Celmisia

Plant Characteristics: Celmisia boasts striking silver foliage and daisy-like flowers, creating a visually appealing contrast in gardens. Its durability in various conditions makes it an attractive choice for diverse landscapes.
Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil and cool, moist conditions. Full sun to partial shade optimizes its growth and flowering.
General Care: Requires minimal care, with occasional watering in dry periods. Tolerant to cold, it needs little winter protection.
Tips for New Gardeners: Mountain daisy is an excellent start for beginners, with its low maintenance and hardy nature. Focus on avoiding waterlogged soil to ensure healthy growth.

Mountain Daisy, and New Zealand Aster: Cultivation & Garden Use

Celmisia plants can be hardy or half hardy perennials.

They bloom with daisy-like flowers of white in the summer.

The flowers sit atop stems that may reach 90 cm (3 feet) in height, or be as little as 10 cm (4 inches).

Celmisia
Celmisia rutlandii by Brewbooks.

They are also known by the more common names of Mountain Daisy, New Zealand Aster, or Mountain Aster.

celmisia semicordata
Celmisia semicordata (Mountain Daisy) by PermaCultured.

Commonly Grown Celmisia Species Photographs and Plant Identification

Celmisia incana

Celmisia incana
Celmisia incana (White Mountain Daisy), photograph by Brewbooks; CC.

Celmisia spectabilis

Celmisia spectabilis
Celmisia spectabilis (Common Mountain Daisy), photograph by Dirk Pons; CC.

Celmisia glandulosa

Celmisia glandulosa
Celmisia glandulosa (Artwork of a Bog Mountain Daisy), picture by Biodiversity Heritage Library; CC.

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Celmisia Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Mountain Daisy, New Zealand Daisy, New Zealand Aster.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial., Half hardy perennial.
Height: 4 to 36 inches (10 to 90 cm).
Family: Asteraceae.
Native: Australasia.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10.
Flowers: Early and Middle of summer.
Flower Details: White rays, Yellow discs. Daisy-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Lance-shaped. Linear-oblong. Sword-shaped. Green, grey. Silver hairs.
Sow Outside: No
Sow Inside: It is usual to start Celmisia from cuttings or divided plants.
Seeds: surface. Seed must be fresh. Germinate in the light at 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C). Space from 4 to 24 inches (10 cm to 60 cm) for standalone plants, or 48 to 72 inches (120 to 180 cm) apart for spreading species. Transplant seedlings once roots are well established into the garden following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Good drainage; use stone chippings to improve drainage. Acidic soil, peaty soil.
Water (but not from above) during dry spells to prevent soil from drying out. Protect from rain. Propagate: by dividing or taking cuttings at the beginning of summer.

How to Grow Celmisia

When planning to grow Celmisia plants it is best to start them off indoors.

The seeds of mountain daisies should be as fresh as possible, as they are short lived.

Celmisia seeds should be sown on the surface at a temperature of 15 degrees celsius (59°F) in the light. They should take anything from a month to six months to germinate.

The seedlings should be grown until roots are fully established. Then planted out in the middle of spring.

The spacing dependent upon the species size: small (15 cm; 6 inches); medium (45 cm; 18 inches); spreading (1.5 m; 5 feet).

Celmisia plants like to grow in peaty acidic soils. The soil should have good drainage. Locate plants in partially shaded to sunny areas of the garden.

Caring for Celmisia Species

Celmisia should be protected from rain and snow, but be well watered. Water from below in the summer to prevent soil drying out.

If you require more Celmisia plants, then you can get more through taking cuttings or dividing mountain daisy plants at the beginning of summer.

Common Questions

How many members does the Celmisia genus have?

The Celmisia genus includes approximately 70 species.

Do members of Celmisia make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Celmisia plants, with their attractive, silvery leaves and daisy-like flowers, are excellent choices for rock gardens or alpine gardens.

Which Celmisia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Celmisia spectabilis, known for its spectacular white blooms.

Are members of the Celmisia plant genus fragrant?

No, Celmisia plants are not typically known for having a fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Celmisia?

Celmisia prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for rock gardens or borders.

Is Celmisia invasive in the USA?

Currently, Celmisia is not listed as invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Celmisia plants from my garden?

You can remove Celmisia plants by digging them out, ensuring to get all the roots to prevent them from growing back.

Summary

The Celmisia genus belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to New Zealand and Australia. These perennials, commonly known as New Zealand daisies, are admired for their silvery foliage and daisy-like flowers that bloom in summer.

To grow Celmisia, plant them in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil. They are quite hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, including coastal exposure and rocky soils. Sow seeds or plant cuttings in spring or fall. Once established, they require minimal maintenance and are quite drought-tolerant.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow grow Celmisia plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Iris, Chard, and Aster plants.

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