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Brachyglottis
These are native members of the daisy family.A few years ago we knew them as Senecios but they have since been reclassified into this easily forgettable new name.
Most are coastal and alpine shrubs .The panicles of daisy flowers are either yellow or white and borne through mid summer. Brachyglottis are long lived shrubs requiring perfect drainage but otherwise will tolerate drought, gales, pollution and neglect. Humid climate don’t suit them as the hairs on the leaves trap moisture in the air which results in leaf blights.
The coastal forms will even flourish under deciduous trees which is unusual for a grey foliaged shrub.
If they become woody or too large then prune ,even down to ground level, to promote the shrub to rejuvenate itself with healthy new shoots.
Brachyglottis greyii.
On a trip to Cape Palliser a few weeks ago I found clumps of this hardy bush growing at the base of the lighthouse and reveling in the extreme weather conditions over there. Oblong greyish green leaves are felted white underneath and it is this hair which protects the plant from the dessicating and burning gales which frequently rage in from the sea. Bunches of lemon yellow daisy flowers cover the shrub through January. Grows 1.2 high and wide.
Brachyglottis greyii Sunshine.
A more spreading variety and excellent to use as a ground cover or to spill over banks. Occasionally this shrub is used in round –abouts where it handles the fumes, dust, wind swirls and drought. Grows 1m tall by 1.5ms wide.
Bracyglottis greyii Otari Cloud.
A neat compact grower with very silvery new leaves. Makes an excellent silvery low border or hedge which only requires an annual prune to keep it shapely. If you don’t wont the yellow flowers then prune in spring ,otherwise prune straight after flowering. Grows 1.2ms.
Bracyglottis greyii Leith Gold.
A bushy rounded shrub with large mid green glossy leaves. The undersides of the leaves are felted with silver hair and most conspicuous when the wind blows the leaves. Soft yellow daisy flowers are borne in spring with a second flush through summer. Grows 1.8ms. I am surprised that this shrub is not more widely grown as the foliage fits in well with the sub tropical look.
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