Larch-leaved Celmisia (Celmisia laricifolia)

Photo: naturewatchwidowCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Larch-leaved Celmisia Plant Care

Celmisia laricifolia Hook.f.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its needle-like leaves and silvery-gray hue, this plant originates from the rugged mountains of New Zealand's South Island. Plant collectors are drawn to Celmisia laricifolia for its unique appearance that adds a touch of wilderness and rarity to any garden.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Plant Larch-leaved Celmisia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 7a–9b) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Larch-leaved Celmisia Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Larch-leaved Celmisia (Celmisia laricifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Celmisia genus. Larch-leaved Celmisia is native to New Zealand.

Larch-leaved Celmisia displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Larch-leaved Celmisia produces daisy-like flowers in white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Water a young or newly planted Larch-leaved Celmisia every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Larch-leaved Celmisia Need?

Larch-leaved Celmisia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Larch-leaved Celmisia Prefer?

Celmisia laricifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Larch-leaved Celmisia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Larch-leaved Celmisia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Feed Larch-leaved Celmisia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Larch-leaved Celmisia is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Larch-leaved Celmisia can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Prune Larch-leaved Celmisia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Larch-leaved Celmisia in Winter?

Larch-leaved Celmisia is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Larch-leaved Celmisia can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

Is the Larch-leaved Celmisia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Larch-leaved Celmisia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Larch-leaved Celmisia?

Larch-leaved Celmisia is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Larch-leaved Celmisia Need?

Larch-leaved Celmisia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Larch-leaved Celmisia is native to New Zealand.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 7a – 9b

Keep exploring plants

Larch-leaved Celmisia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Celmisia genus — compare its care with other Celmisia species on PlantoScan.

Celmisia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Larch-leaved Celmisia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Celmisia laricifolia Hook.f., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Nov.-Zel. 2: 331 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Larch-leaved Celmisia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: naturewatchwidow, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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