OLEARIA lirata

Erect slender branching stem with a bushy crown with dark green alternate broad leaves 15 cm long. Large loose terminal bunches of daisy flower heads 12-25 mm across and 10-16 rays per flower occur in spring. An excellent shrub for native gardens.

Endemic to NSW, Qld, Tas and Victoria.

Prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in a protected partially shaded position. Frost resistant but drought tender.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 15-20°C

1. Sow seed on surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed if required to hold the seed in place. Do not bury seed deeply.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 14-42 days in the right condition.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.