GAZANIAS: Annual Flowers that last!

September 05, 2018

GAZANIAS: Annual Flowers that last!

These easy annuals will have the butterflies flocking to your yard!

The gazania flower, named after the 15th-century Greek-Italian scholar Theodorus of Gaza, is a low maintenance South African annual that will brighten up your hard-to-landscape spaces.

Gazania flowers are a member of the daisy family. Asteraceae, genus Gazania. Also known as the treasure flower or the African daisy. In their native habitat of the rocky cliffs of South Africa, gazanias grow in soils of low fertility. Compost and supplemental fertilizer aren't necessary. ‎They are Low Maintenance and we love them for their cold tolerance. They tolerate the first few frosts which make them ideal for adding to your Fall color combinations and Fall Pollinator Feeding Program.

The leathery foliage of gazania plants is a clue to the high drought tolerance of this flower. Leaves are green to gray in color, and grow in a lance shape. The daisy-like flowers grow in a variety of hot hues on the color wheel, like red, orange, and yellow. Many flowers feature solids and horizontal or vertical variegation on petals, sometimes with splashes of white and bright pink. Like portulaca, these flowers close at night and open with the sun.

Gazanias shine in containers on your deck and patio where they will attract butterflies for up-close observation. Plant gazanias at the edge of the pot, where their trailing habit will soften container edges. Deadheading spent flowers will help encourage new blooms.

When growing Gazanias, expect the plant to reach 6 to 18 inches in height and about the same in spread as it trails on the ground. A clumping mound of grass-like foliage produces Gazania treasure flowers. This easy-to-grow bloom is tolerant of poor, dry or sandy soil. Heat and salty spray don’t deter its growth or beautiful blossoms either, making it a perfect specimen for oceanfront growing.

Gazania plants are adaptable enough to overwinter indoors so you won’t need to purchase new plants or seeds for the next growing season. You can dig up the plant at autumn's end while they are still in bloom, bringing the beauty of the outdoors in. However, the plant won't be able to maintain its flower output indoors, so cut the plant back and keep it in a cool, sunny window. Water when the soil surface is dry.