How to Grow Brachyglottis Sunshine - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Brachyglottis sunshine is a plant that is native to New Zealand. It is a evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are oval shaped and are a dark green color. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. The plant blooms from September to November.

How to Grow Brachyglottis Sunshine - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Sunshine coast daisy
  • Sunshine daisy
  • Brachyglottis repanda
  • Brachyglottis uniflora
  • Olearia repanda

Things to Know

  • Brachyglottis sunshine, also known as the sunflower bush, is a shrub native to New Zealand.
  • It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall.
  • The leaves are large and oval-shaped, and the flowers are yellow and slightly fragrant.
  • Brachyglottis sunshine prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  • It is tolerant of salt and wind, and can be found growing near the coast.
  • Brachyglottis sunshine is a popular landscaping plant, and is often used as a hedge or screen.
  • It is also a good choice for container gardening.
  • Brachyglottis sunshine is easy to care for and requires little pruning.
  • It is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
  • Brachyglottis sunshine is susceptible to scale insects and aphids.

Planting Process

  1. For brachyglottis sunshine, first step is to find a location that gets full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day.
  2. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and grasses in a 12-inch radius.
  3. Next, loosen the topsoil in the planting area to a depth of 8 inches.
  4. Once the planting area is prepped, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the brachyglottis sunshine’s root ball.
  5. Place the brachyglottis sunshine in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  6. Backfill the hole with the loosened soil, and then water the area thoroughly.
  7. For the first growing season, water the brachyglottis sunshine once a week.
  8. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  9. Fertilize the brachyglottis sunshine once a month during the growing season.
  10. Once the plant is established, reduce watering to once every two weeks.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Sunshine prefers well-drained but moist, rich soils. It does not tolerate drought or waterlogged conditions. It also doesn't like getting its leaves wet, so make sure to plant it in an area with good drainage.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, Brachyglottis sunshine requires sun light in order to photosynthesize and create its own food. Without sun light, the plant will begin to wither and eventually die. That's why it's important to place this plant in an area that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Sunshine is perfect for the growth of the brachyglottis. This plant prefers warm weather and lots of sunlight. The Sunshine provided both of these things in abundance, making it the perfect place for the plant to grow.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will eventually die. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will rot and the plant will also die.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this family of plant does best with a 10-10-10 fertilizer that is applied in early spring. For the root, the plant does best when the roots are constantly moist but not soggy. The plant does not like to be left dry for long periods of time.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Brachyglottis sunshine looking its best. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, keep the plant healthy, and can even help to control its size. When pruning your Brachyglottis sunshine, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make clean, sharp cuts at the desired location, being careful not to damage the plant.

The Propagation

Propagation of Brachyglottis sunshine is usually done by seed, but it can also be done by division or softwood cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix in spring or summer. Keep the soil moist but not wet and the seedlings should germinate in 21-28 days. To propagate by division, wait until the plant is dormant in winter and carefully dig up the rootball. Gently pull the plant apart into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a good root system. Replant the divisions immediately. To propagate by softwood cuttings, take cuttings from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist but not wet and they should root in 4-6 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the environment. The average rainfall and temperature affect the growth rate of brachyglottis sunshine. If the environment is too dry, the brachyglottis sunshine will not be able to produce the required amount of chlorophyll and will have a reduced growth rate.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot and rust. These can be caused by different fungi and can be a problem in wet weather. The best way to control these diseases is to avoid getting the leaves wet and to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area. If the plant is already infected, you can try to control the disease by spraying the leaves with a fungicide.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your Sunshine regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Sunshine grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade.
  • Sunshine is a moderate feeder, so fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Sunshine is a fast-growing plant and will quickly become leggy if not pruned regularly. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
  • Sunshine is susceptible to powdery mildew, so avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
  • Sunshine is not winter-hardy and will need to be brought indoors or protected in a cold frame over winter.
  • When bringing Sunshine indoors for the winter, gradually acclimate it to lower light levels to avoid shock.
  • Sunshine can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division.
  • Sunshine makes an excellent container plant and can even be grown indoors year-

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Source:
Brachyglottis | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Brachyglottis greyi 'Sunshine'
Education | Sunshine Art Education | Singapore

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
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