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Description
Celmisia Alpina, also known as mountain daisy or silver daisy, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to New Zealand and can be found in alpine regions with harsh and cold climates.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Celmisia |
Appearance
Celmisia Alpina has a rosette of leaves that are green or grayish-green in color and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a length of 5 to 25 cm and a width of 1 to 3 cm. The plant can grow up to 50 cm in height and produces a single stem that bears a cluster of white or pinkish flowers, each about 2 to 4 cm in diameter. The flowers have yellow centers and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Water: Celmisia Alpina prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Soil: Celmisia Alpina thrives in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it may require some protection from the afternoon sun.
Hardiness Zones: Celmisia Alpina is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Celmisia Alpina is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Aphids and mealybugs may occasionally infest the plant, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Celmisia Alpina is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in alpine regions at elevations of 800 to 2200 meters. It grows in rocky areas, scree slopes, and gravelly soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Celmisia Alpina a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, Celmisia Alpina is an excellent choice for rock gardens because of its compact size and tolerance for rocky soils.
Q: Can Celmisia Alpina be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Celmisia Alpina can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize Celmisia Alpina?
A: Fertilize Celmisia Alpina once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Celmisia Alpina?
A: Celmisia Alpina can be propagated by division in early spring or by taking stem cuttings in summer.
Related Plants
- Celmisia Haastii
- Celmisia Monroi
- Celmisia Semiamplexicaulis
- Celmisia Spectabilis
References
- “Celmisia Alpina.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/celmisia-alpina/
- “Celmisia Alpina.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4218/celmisia-alpina/details
- “Celmisia Alpina.” University of Waikato. https://www.waikato.ac.nz/eri/maunga_kariori/flora/celmisia-alpina.shtml
