Euryops pectinatus

Euryops pectinatus

This South African silver-leafed Euryops grows to around 1.2m tall. It has large bright yellow daisy flowers in late autumn and winter; with regular dead-heading, it will bloom into spring. It can be pruned quite hard after flowering, but eventually it will need to be replaced when it becomes worn out and straggly.

Like most daisy plants, it likes well-drained soil in a sunny position and will tolerate considerable dryness. It associates well with the Mediterranean plants that flourish in Sydney and flower around the same time, such as rosemary, perennial wallflower (Erysimum 'Winter Joy'), tall bearded irises, Echium candicans and Euphorbia species. It also combines well with native plants, as it has the same general texture as many Australian flora. It also looks good with blue Salvia as a colour contrast.

Postscript: my plant eventually got very old and woody and I haven't got around to replacing it. However, I still believe it is a great plant for Sydney gardens.