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Description
Olearia Microphylla, also known as the New Zealand Holly, is a beautiful and fragrant evergreen shrub that is native to New Zealand. It has small, glossy leaves that are dark green on top and lighter underneath, and it produces small white flowers in the summer. The shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Olearia |
Appearance
The Olearia Microphylla has small, glossy leaves that are dark green on top and lighter underneath. The leaves are about an inch long and half an inch wide. The shrub produces small, white flowers that have a sweet fragrance and bloom in the summer. The flowers are about half an inch in diameter and are arranged in clusters at the ends of branches. The shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Care Guide
Water: The Olearia Microphylla prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. However, it can tolerate dry conditions once established.Fertilization: The shrub can be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth and blooming.Soil: The Olearia Microphylla prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Olearia Microphylla can tolerate cold temperatures and is hardy in zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Olearia Microphylla is generally a healthy and hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The shrub can also be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soil.
Habitat
The Olearia Microphylla is native to New Zealand and can be found in coastal regions, forests, and scrubland. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions once established.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Olearia Microphylla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers, but it will need to be repotted every few years as it grows.Q: Does the Olearia Microphylla attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the shrub produces small white flowers that attract bees and butterflies.Q: Can the Olearia Microphylla be grown indoors?
A: No, the shrub requires full sun to partial shade and cannot be grown indoors.Q: How often should the Olearia Microphylla be pruned?
A: The shrub can be pruned in the spring to maintain its shape and size.
Related Plants
- Olearia Haastii
- Olearia Macrodonta
- Olearia Virgata
References
- “Olearia Microphylla.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/olearia-microphylla/
- “Olearia Microphylla.” PlantNet. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Olearia~microphylla
- “Olearia Microphylla.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12010/i-Olearia-microphylla-i/Details
