Pachystegia insignis, commonly known as the Marlborough Rock Daisy, is an evergreen shrub native to the rocky coastal cliffs and riverbeds of the South Island of New Zealand, particularly in the Marlborough region. It typically grows to a height of 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 meters) with stout branches and a dense habit. The leaves are oblong, thick, and leathery (coriaceous), with a distinctive white tomentose underside that provides an attractive contrast. The Marlborough Rock Daisy blooms from late spring to summer, producing large, hemispherical flower heads that consist of narrow white ray florets surrounding a center of yellow disc florets, which are quite showy and attract pollinators.

Pachystegia insignis is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, coastal plantings, and xeriscaping. Its striking foliage and flowers make it a popular ornamental plant. Gardeners should plant it in a sunny location with good drainage to prevent root rot. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to downy mildew in humid conditions. There are no major concerns regarding invasiveness or aggressive roots, and it is not known to have significant disease problems.CC BY-SA 4.0