Olearia ilicifolia
mountain holly
An evergreen bushy shrub or small tree to a height of up to 3m, with leathery, oval, spiny-edged, green-grey leaves. The white clusters of daisy-like flowers appear in summer and are fragrant
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Olearia can be evergreen shrubs, small trees or herbaceous perennials, with simple, leathery, toothed or entire leaves and corymbs of daisy-like flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Makes a good windbreak or hedge in coastal areas
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings from summer to autumn Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 8 In freestanding specimens allow to develop naturally. To keep within bounds, cut out one third to half of the previous year's growth after flowering. If required, can be hard pruned and will regenerate well from low down
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.