Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy (Celmisia sessiliflora)

Photo: John SteelCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy Plant Care

Celmisia sessiliflora Hook.f.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Featuring dense clusters of silver-green leaves with silky hairs, this plant originates from the rocky alpine regions of New Zealand. Its unique foliage and ability to thrive in harsh conditions make it a coveted addition to the collections of plant enthusiasts seeking rare and resilient species for their gardens.

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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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Plant Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) 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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy (Celmisia sessiliflora) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Celmisia genus. Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy is native to alpine environments of the South Island of New Zealand. Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy is also known as Tufted Mountain Daisy.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Water a young or newly planted Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy 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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy Need?

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy Prefer?

Celmisia sessiliflora tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Feed Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy 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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

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.

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy 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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Prune Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy 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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy in Winter?

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrow-leafed mountain daisy plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy, 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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy?

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy 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 Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy Need?

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy is native to alpine environments of the South Island of New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy 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.

Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Celmisia Species

Other Celmisia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Celmisia sessiliflora Hook.f., family Asteraceae (first published in Handb. N. Zeal. Fl. : 135 (1864)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sessileleaf Mountain Daisy, 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: John Steel, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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