
Photo: Michael FoxCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Spiked Daisybush Plant Care
Olearia subspicata F.Muell.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Olearia subspicata, commonly known as spiked daisy bush or shrubby daisy-bush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae and is endemic to continental Australia. It is an erect shrub with more or less linear leaves and white and yellow, daisy-like inflorescences.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spiked Daisybush?
Plant Spiked Daisybush 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 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spiked Daisybush Native To?
What Is the Spiked Daisybush?
Spiked Daisybush (Olearia subspicata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Olearia genus. Spiked Daisybush is native to continental Australia. Spiked Daisybush is also known as Eurybia subspicata.
Spiked Daisybush displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spiked Daisybush produces small daisy-like flowers in white, pink, or purple clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spiked Daisybush?
Water a young or newly planted Spiked Daisybush 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 Spiked Daisybush Need?
Spiked Daisybush thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spiked Daisybush Prefer?
Olearia subspicata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Spiked Daisybush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spiked Daisybush?
Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Spiked Daisybush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spiked Daisybush?
Feed Spiked Daisybush 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 Spiked Daisybush?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Spiked Daisybush 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 Spiked Daisybush?
Spiked Daisybush can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Spiked Daisybush?
Prune Spiked Daisybush 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 Spiked Daisybush in Winter?
Spiked Daisybush 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 Spiked Daisybush?
Spiked Daisybush can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mountain daisy bush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spiked Daisybush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spiked Daisybush, 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 Spiked Daisybush?
Spiked Daisybush 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 Spiked Daisybush Need?
Spiked Daisybush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spiked Daisybush is native to continental Australia. In cooler regions, grow Spiked Daisybush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Spiked Daisybush 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 Olearia genus — compare its care with other Olearia species on PlantoScan.
Olearia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Spiked Daisybush thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Olearia Species
Other Olearia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Olearia subspicata F.Muell., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Austral. 3: 478 (1867)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spiked Daisybush, 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: Michael Fox, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — 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.
