Pachystegia

Pachystegia - New Zealand’s Best Rock-Daisy Plants

Adding NZ-native plants to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They provide a habitat and shelter for native fauna
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Rock Daisy plants, and the right one for your space. Many of these amazing plants have been grown from eco-sourced seed and then multiplied in our nursery. They are thriving and ready for their new home. We stock only the highest quality plants, with each plant packed and transported with extreme care to ensure it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Pachystegia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Pachystegia

1. What is the common name for Pachystegia insignis?

The common name for Pachystegia insignis is Marlborough rock daisy.

2. What is Pachystegia?

Pachystegia is a genus of shrubs in the Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy family. They are native to New Zealand and are found in dry areas of the northeastern South Island. Pachystegia plants are known for their distinctive leathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. They are adapted to drought conditions and grow on dry, inland hills and coastal cliffs.

3. Where is Pachystegia native to?

Pachystegia is native to New Zealand, specifically the northeastern South Island. It is found in dry areas, including Marlborough, Kaikoura, and Canterbury.

4. How do you grow Marlborough rock daisy?

Growing and caring for Rock Daisies involves:

1. Water Marlborough rock daisies regularly during their first growing season to help them establish themselves. Once they are established, they are relatively drought-tolerant and will only need to be watered occasionally during dry periods.
2. Marlborough rock daisies prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with sand or grit to improve drainage.
3. Marlborough rock daisies do not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
4. Marlborough rock daisies can become leggy or woody if not pruned regularly. Prune them back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a compact shape.
5. Marlborough rock daisies are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered.

Additional tips:

• Marlborough rock daisies are tolerant of salt spray, making them a good choice for coastal gardens.
• They are also relatively frost-hardy.
• Marlborough rock daisies can be grown in containers as well as in the garden.

5. What species of Pachystegia are there?

There are five recognized species of Pachystegia, all of which are endemic to New Zealand. They are:

1. Pachystegia insignis: The most common species, found in Marlborough and Canterbury. It is a low-growing shrub with white daisy-like flowers. It has distinctive leathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. They are adapted to drought conditions and grow on dry, inland hills and coastal cliffs. It is a valuable part of the New Zealand flora.
2. Pachystegia minor: A smaller species, found in Marlborough and Kaikoura. It has smaller leaves and flowers than P. insignis. It is a compact, low-growing shrub that is found on rocky hillsides and coastal situations in Marlborough, New Zealand. The shrub has dark green, leathery, and glossy leaves and solitary white flowers that resemble large daisies. The Marlborough rock daisy is tolerant of drought and dry conditions and prefers to be grown in a very dry and sunny place with free-draining soil.
3. Pachystegia rufa: A rare species, found in Marlborough. It has red flowers, which are unusual for the genus. It is a low-growing shrub with bright red flowers. The flowers are solitary and have a diameter of about 50 mm. The leaves are dark green and leathery, and the stems are woody.
4. Pachystegia spectabilis: A rare species, found in Marlborough and Kaikoura. It has large, showy flowers. It is a low-growing shrub with large, showy white flowers. The flowers are solitary and can have a diameter of up to 75 mm. The leaves are dark green and leathery, and the stems are woody.
5. Pachystegia trifurcata: A rare species, found in Marlborough. It has three-lobed leaves. It is a low-growing shrub with distinctive three-lobed leaves. The leaves are dark green and leathery, and the stems are woody. The flowers are white and solitary, and have a diameter of about 25 mm.

All species of Pachystegia are adapted to dry, rocky habitats and are considered to be threatened by habitat loss. They are an important part of the New Zealand flora and their conservation is important.

6. How do you grow Marlborough rock daisy from seed?

Growing Marlborough rock daisy from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy these beautiful and hardy native New Zealand plants in your own garden. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow Marlborough rock daisy from seed:

Seed Preparation:

1. Collect seeds from mature Marlborough rock daisy plants in late spring or early summer. The seeds are typically small, brown, and have a slightly hairy coat.
2. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place to preserve their viability. You can store them in an airtight container or paper envelope.

Seed Sowing:

1. The best time to sow Marlborough rock daisy seeds is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the soil is moist.
2. Use a seed tray or pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. A light and sandy mix is ideal for germination.
3. Sow the seeds thinly onto the surface of the potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with a fine layer of sand or grit.
4. Water the potting mix gently to moisten it without oversaturating it. Place the seed tray or pot in a warm, shady location and cover it with plastic wrap or a cloche to maintain humidity.

Germination and Seedling Care:

1. Check the seed tray or pot regularly for signs of germination. Germination can take several weeks, so be patient.
2. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, thin them to provide them with adequate space to grow.
3. Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy during the germination and seedling stage. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.
4. As seedlings grow, gradually expose them to more sunlight to encourage strong growth.

Transplanting Seedlings:

1. Select a sunny location in your garden with well-draining soil. Marlborough rock daisies prefer slightly acidic soil.
2. Before transplanting, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day.
3. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of the seedlings.
4. Carefully remove the seedlings from their pots or seed trays and gently place them in the prepared holes. Backfill the holes with soil and firm it gently around the base of each plant.
5. Water the newly transplanted seedlings generously to settle the soil and provide them with moisture.

Enjoy your plants!