Twiggy Daisy (Olearia ramulosa) is an appealing shrub known for its abundant, small, daisy-like flowers. Offering both beauty and resilience, its low maintenance requirements and adaptable nature make it a suitable choice for various garden designs, from cottage gardens to naturalized landscapes.
What is Twiggy Daisy?
The plant commonly known as Twiggy Daisy or Twiggy Daisy Bush is botanically identified as Olearia ramulosa. This evergreen shrub gets its common name from its distinct growth habit, featuring numerous slender, often sprawling, and highly branched stems that give it a “twiggy” appearance. It typically forms a bushy shrub, with its exact form varying by environment.
Its small, daisy-like flowers emerge profusely along the stems and at branch tips. These flower heads, usually 10-25mm wide, feature white, pale pink, mauve, or blue ray florets surrounding vibrant yellow disc florets. The leaves are typically small, narrow, and often inconspicuous, measuring between 2-15mm long, and can be fine, bright green, or dark green, sometimes with rolled edges.
Olearia ramulosa is native to south-eastern Australia, thriving in diverse habitats from coastal cliffs and heathlands to forests and woodlands. A mature Twiggy Daisy Bush generally reaches a height of 0.5 to 2.5 meters with a spread of 0.8 to 2 meters.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Twiggy Daisy thrives in locations with ample sunlight, ideally full sun to partial shade, which promotes prolific flowering. While it can tolerate some shade, consistent direct sunlight helps the plant develop its best form and bloom density.
The plant prefers well-drained soils, adapting to a range of compositions including sandy, loamy, and even clay soils, provided they do not retain excessive moisture. A neutral to slightly acidic pH is generally preferred, though it can tolerate mildly alkaline conditions. Establishing good drainage helps prevent common issues such as root rot.
Once established, Twiggy Daisy exhibits drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise gardens. Young plants require more consistent moisture to develop a strong root system, typically needing watering every one to two weeks depending on local climate. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to avoid over-saturation.
Olearia ramulosa is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 through 11. It demonstrates good tolerance to light to moderate frosts and is particularly resilient in coastal environments, withstanding strong winds and salt spray.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Planting Twiggy Daisy is best undertaken in mid to late spring, allowing the plant time to establish itself before extreme weather. When preparing the planting site, select a location that aligns with its sunlight and soil preferences, ensuring good drainage. Minimizing root disturbance during transplanting helps the plant settle into its new environment. Providing adequate room for its mature size will promote healthy air circulation and growth.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for Twiggy Daisy, encouraging denser growth, enhancing flower production, and maintaining shape. The optimal time for pruning is in early spring, before the main flush of new growth. Light trimming can also be performed after the primary flowering period to tidy the plant and promote further blooms. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as new growth may be susceptible to frost damage. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts, which helps prevent disease and promotes quicker healing.
Fertilization
Twiggy Daisy generally has low nutrient requirements, often thriving without extensive fertilization. If desired, a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer can be applied at planting to support initial growth. A light application each spring is typically sufficient for ongoing health, particularly for container-grown plants.
Pests and Diseases
While largely resistant to serious pests and diseases, ensuring well-drained soil is important to prevent root rot, a common issue in overly wet conditions. The plant is noted for its resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a type of water mold. Occasionally, it may show susceptibility to mealy bugs, but these instances are manageable with appropriate horticultural practices.
Propagation Methods
Propagating Twiggy Daisy is readily accomplished through cuttings, particularly semi-hardwood tip cuttings.
Cuttings
Take healthy, non-flowering stems from the current season’s growth, ideally in spring or early autumn. Cuttings should be about 7 to 15 centimeters long, with leaves removed from the bottom third to expose the nodes. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder can significantly enhance root development, though it is not strictly essential for success.
Plant these prepared cuttings into a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for propagation. Maintain consistent moisture in the rooting medium, ensuring it remains damp but not waterlogged, which can lead to rot. Creating a humid environment, such as by covering the tray with a clear plastic bag or using a propagator, helps retain moisture.
Place cuttings in a bright location that receives indirect sunlight, as direct harsh sun can scorch tender new growth. Root development typically occurs within six to eight weeks, at which point cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Seeds
Seed propagation is another viable method, though less common than cuttings. Collect ripe seed heads from the plant in late summer or autumn and allow them to dry thoroughly. In spring, sow the seeds on the surface of a seed-raising mix, covering them lightly. Keep the mix consistently moist for germination, which usually occurs within three to five weeks. Light can enhance germination, and smoke treatment may also improve results. Twiggy Daisy also has a natural tendency to self-seed, producing small, fluffy seed heads dispersed by wind, contributing to its natural spread.