New Zealand Holly

Also called the daisy bush, Olearia macrodonta is a large, vigorous, evergreen shrub with a bushy habit and peeling, tan-coloured bark, which does particularly well by the sea, where it is often used for hedging or as a windbreak. Spiny, grey-green holly-shaped leaves with silvery white undersides are covered in summer by fragrant white daisy-like flowers with golden centres. Not for the coldest areas, but will survive in milder inland area against a warm wall. New Zealand holly holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year, particularly summer
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: 13 (4m) Spread: 10 (3m)