Photo: Dustin EdmundsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
NZ celery Plant Care
Lagenophora pinnatifida Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its deeply lobed and pinnately dissected leaves, Lagenophora pinnatifida is a visually striking plant native to New Zealand. Its unique foliage and beautiful purple flowers make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of exotic elegance to their gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for NZ celery?
Plant NZ celery in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 8a–9b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 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 NZ celery Native To?
What Is the NZ celery?
NZ celery (Lagenophora pinnatifida) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Lagenophora genus. NZ celery is native to New Zealand. NZ celery is also known as New Zealand celery, pāhaute.
NZ celery displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. NZ celery produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a NZ celery?
Water a young or newly planted NZ celery every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the NZ celery Need?
NZ celery thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the NZ celery Prefer?
Lagenophora pinnatifida tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. NZ celery prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a NZ celery?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for NZ celery to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a NZ celery?
Feed NZ celery 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 NZ celery?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
NZ celery is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 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 NZ celery?
NZ celery can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 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 NZ celery?
Prune NZ celery 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 NZ celery in Winter?
NZ celery is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, 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 NZ celery?
NZ celery can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine lagenophora plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the NZ celery Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list NZ celery, 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 NZ celery?
NZ celery is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 NZ celery Need?
NZ celery grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. NZ celery is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
NZ celery 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 Lagenophora genus — compare its care with other Lagenophora species on PlantoScan.
Lagenophora is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
NZ celery 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: Lagenophora pinnatifida Hook.f., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Nov.-Zel. 1: 126 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list NZ celery, 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: Dustin Edmundson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 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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