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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Olearia macrodonta is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

Very resistant to maritime exposure, this plant can be used as an effective windbreak hedge in exposed maritime areas[75]. One report says that it is tolerant of severe pruning[200], whilst another says that it is better not to prune severely[75]. Moderately fast growing.

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[182, 200]. Thrives in a chalky soil[182, 200] but prefers a light loam or peaty soil[11]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[75]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is almost hardy throughout Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[184] if sheltered from cold winds[11]. Flowers best in years following long hot summers[200]. Withstands light trimming but dislikes being cut back hard into old growth, it is best to trim new growth by 50% each year in order to promote basal shoots[75]. Any pruning is best done in the spring[11]. This plant is possibly a hybrid O. arborescens x O. ilicifolia. There are a number of named forms, the cultivar 'Major' is faster to establish than the type[75]. The whole plant is aromatic[182]. The leaves emit a powerful musk scent when bruised whilst the flowers are honey-scented[245].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - surface sow in early spring in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. If growth has been sufficiently good, plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of the following year, otherwise grow them on for another year in pots and plant them out the following early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in late August and overwinter in a cold frame then plant out in late spring or early summer[78]. Good percentage[11]. Cuttings of moderately ripe wood of the current years growth, 5 - 10cm with a heel, November in a frame. Very easy, succeeding even when the cuttings are planted directly into their permanent positions in exposed sites[K].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Other
Olearia avicenniifolia	Akeake	Shrub	3.0	7-10		LM	N	M	2
Olearia ilicifolia		Shrub	3.0	7-10		LM	N	M	3
Olearia paniculata		Shrub	6.0	8-11		LMH	N	M	3
Olearia solandri		Shrub	4.0	8-11	S	LMH	N	M	3
Olearia traversii		Shrub	10.0	8-11	M	LMH	N	M	3
Olearia virgata		Shrub	3.5	6-9	F	LMH	N	M	3
Olearia x haastii		Shrub	2.5	7-10		LMH	N	M	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Olearia macrodonta - Baker.