All You Want to Know About Daisies — Complete Guide

Daisies are flowering plants in the Asteraceae family with composite flower heads made of white ray florets surrounding a yellow disc center. The Asteraceae family contains over 20,000 species across 1,900 genera, making daisies one of the largest and most diverse plant groups on Earth.

This guide covers 48 daisy species with photos, flower identification traits, symbolism across 6 colors, origin and cultivation history, USDA growing zones, a complete life cycle breakdown, growing instructions (from seed, cuttings, and division), care requirements, pet safety for cats and dogs, 5 companion plants, and visual comparisons against similar flowers like chamomile, sunflower, and aster.

What Are Daisies?

A daisy is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family that produces composite flower heads — a central disc of tiny tubular florets surrounded by petal-like ray florets. The Asteraceae family (also called Compositae) is the second-largest family of flowering plants after orchids. Daisies share this family with sunflowers, chrysanthemums, zinnias, asters, and dandelions.

The word "daisy" comes from the Old English "dæges ēage," meaning "day's eye." This name refers to the English daisy (Bellis perennis), whose flower head opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. The common name "daisy" now applies broadly to dozens of genera within Asteraceae that share the disc-and-ray flower structure.

Scientific Classification

The Asteraceae family divides into 12 subfamilies. The 3 largest subfamilies containing garden daisies are Asteroideae (includes asters, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums), Cichorioideae (includes chicory and dandelions), and Carduoideae (includes thistles).

Characteristics That Define a Daisy

6 structural features define a daisy flower:

1. Composite flower head. What appears as a single daisy "flower" is a capitulum — a dense cluster of 50 to 200+ individual florets arranged on a flat or domed receptacle. Each floret is a complete flower with its own reproductive organs.
2. Ray florets. The petal-like structures around the outer edge are ray florets. Each ray floret is a single, strap-shaped flower. Ray florets are usually white, yellow, pink, or purple and serve to attract pollinators.
3. Disc florets. The tiny tubular flowers packed in the center are disc florets. Disc florets are typically yellow and produce the majority of the seeds. A single Shasta daisy head contains 200–300 disc florets.
4. Stem (peduncle). Daisy stems range from 2 inches (5 cm) in dwarf species like Townsendia minima to 4 feet (120 cm) in tall species like Chrysanthemum daisies. Stems are usually unbranched and support a single flower head.
5. Leaves. Daisy leaves grow in basal rosettes or alternately along the stem. Leaf shapes range from spoon-shaped (spatulate) in English daisies to deeply lobed and fern-like in Painted daisies (Tanacetum coccineum).
6. Root system. Most perennial daisies have fibrous root systems with rhizomes that allow the plant to spread. Annual daisies typically develop a single taproot.

Daisy Flower Identification

What Do Daisy Flowers Look Like?

Daisy flowers have a flat or slightly domed disc center surrounded by a single or double ring of petal-like ray florets. The classic daisy look — white petals with a yellow center — belongs to the English daisy (Bellis perennis) and the Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum). Other daisy species produce flowers in red, orange, pink, purple, blue, and bicolored combinations.

Daisy Flower Colors

Daisies flower in 8 primary color groups: white, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple, blue, and bicolored. White and yellow are the most common. Blue daisies (Felicia amelloides) and chocolate-scented yellow daisies (Berlandiera lyrata) are among the less common varieties.

Flower Size

Daisy flower heads range from 0.2 inches (5 mm) in the Desert Star Daisy (Monoptilon bellidiforme) to 5 inches (12 cm) in Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii). Most garden daisies produce flower heads between 1.5 and 3 inches (4–8 cm) in diameter.

Seed Appearance

Daisy seeds are small, dry fruits called achenes. Most daisy achenes are 1–3 mm long, oblong or wedge-shaped, and brown or grey. Some species (like Townsend daisies) have a pappus — a tuft of fine hairs that acts as a parachute for wind dispersal, similar to dandelion seeds.

Daisy Flower Meaning and Symbolism

What Does the Daisy Flower Mean?

The daisy flower means innocence, purity, and new beginnings. This meaning originates from 2 sources: the flower's simple, open structure and the Old English name "day's eye," which connects daisies to sunrise and the start of a new day.

In Victorian flower language (floriography), giving someone a daisy communicated loyal love and the message "I will think of it" — a gentle way to say the recipient needed time to consider a romantic proposal.

Symbolism in Different Cultures

• Norse mythology: Daisies were sacred to Freya, the goddess of love and fertility. Daisies represented childbirth and motherhood.
• Roman mythology: The nymph Belides transformed herself into a daisy to escape unwanted attention, giving the genus Bellis its name.
• Celtic culture: Celtic legends say that when an infant died, the gods scattered daisies across the earth to comfort grieving parents.
• Christianity: White daisies symbolize the Virgin Mary's innocence. Medieval paintings frequently include daisies in scenes of the Annunciation.

Daisy Color Meanings

Daisy in Weddings

White daisies rank among the 10 most popular wedding flowers worldwide. Brides choose daisies for 3 reasons: their symbolism of loyal love, their availability across all seasons, and their ability to pair with both formal and rustic wedding themes. Gerbera daisies are the most popular wedding daisy species because of their large, photogenic flower heads and wide color range.

Origin and History of Daisies

Where Do Daisy Flowers Originate From?

Daisies originated in multiple regions across the globe. The English daisy (Bellis perennis) is native to Europe and Western Asia. African daisies (Arctotis, Osteospermum, Gerbera) evolved in southern Africa. North American native daisies include Echinacea (Purple Coneflower), Rudbeckia (Gloriosa Daisy), and Townsendia species.

Evolution of the Daisy Family

The Asteraceae family evolved approximately 76–66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now southern South America. Fossil pollen records from Patagonia contain the earliest evidence of Asteraceae plants. The family underwent rapid diversification during the Eocene epoch (56–34 million years ago), spreading to Africa, Australia, and then to the Northern Hemisphere.

Global Distribution

Asteraceae species grow on every continent except Antarctica. The highest concentration of daisy species occurs in 3 regions: the Mediterranean basin (home to Bellis, Leucanthemum, and Anthemis), southern Africa (home to Arctotis, Gerbera, and Osteospermum), and western North America (home to Echinacea, Rudbeckia, and Townsendia).

Where Do Daisies Grow Naturally?

Preferred Climate

Most daisies prefer temperate climates with moderate rainfall and distinct seasons. Temperate daisies like English and Shasta varieties thrive in regions with cool winters and warm summers. African daisies tolerate heat and drought but die in hard frosts. Desert daisies (Monoptilon) grow in arid climates with less than 10 inches (25 cm) of annual rainfall.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Soil Requirements

Daisies grow best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Most daisies tolerate poor, sandy, or rocky soil. Heavy clay soil that retains standing water causes root rot in nearly all daisy species. Amend clay soil with compost or perlite before planting daisies to improve drainage.

Daisy Life Cycle

The daisy life cycle has 7 stages from seed to dormancy:

Are Daisies Annual, Biennial, or Perennial?

Daisies can be annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the species. The majority of garden daisies are perennials.

• Annual daisies complete their life cycle in one growing season. Examples: Annual Townsend Daisy (Townsendia annua), Livingstone Daisy (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis), Butter Daisy (Melampodium divaricatum).
• Biennial daisies grow foliage in year 1 and flower in year 2. Examples: Parry's Townsend Daisy (Townsendia parryi), some English daisy cultivars in warm climates.
• Perennial daisies return year after year from established root systems. Examples: Shasta Daisy, Oxeye Daisy, Echinacea, Gerbera (in zones 8+), Euryops Daisy.

Do Daisies Grow Back Every Year?

Yes, perennial daisies grow back every year within their rated hardiness zones. Shasta daisies return reliably for 3–5 years before clumps need division. Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) can persist for 10+ years. Annual daisies do not return, but many self-seed so heavily that they appear to come back. Oxeye daisies self-seed so aggressively that 12 U.S. states classify them as invasive.

When Do Daisies Bloom?

Daisies bloom from early spring through late fall, depending on the species. Spring-blooming daisies include English daisies (March–May) and Easter daisies (April–June). Summer bloomers include Shasta daisies (June–August) and Gerbera daisies (May–October). Fall bloomers include Chrysanthemum daisies (September–November) and Aster daisies (August–October).

How Long Do Daisy Flowers Last?

Individual daisy flower heads last 7–14 days on the plant. Cut daisies in a vase last 5–10 days. To extend vase life, cut stems at a 45-degree angle, remove leaves below the waterline, change water every 2 days, and add a floral preservative packet. Gerbera daisies last longest as cut flowers — up to 14 days with proper care.

How Many Daisy Species Exist?

There are over 20,000 species in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, distributed across approximately 1,900 genera. Asteraceae is the second-largest flowering plant family on Earth. The 5 largest genera are Senecio (~1,500 species), Vernonia (~1,000 species), Centaurea (~700 species), Hieracium (~500 species), and Artemisia (~500 species).

Types of Daisy Flowers

48 daisy species and varieties are covered in this guide, organized into 4 groups: common garden daisies, Townsend daisy species, African daisy species, and desert daisy species. Each species entry includes a photo, growing conditions, and identification details.

English Daisy

Bellis perennis

TypePerennial

OriginEurope

SunShade to Light

Size6–12 in

ZoneUSDA 4–8

The English daisy is the classic daisy — white petals with a yellow center and a slight purplish highlight on the outer petal edges. Also known as the lawn daisy, Bellis perennis often grows in lawns and meadows across Europe and has naturalized in the United States. English daisies enjoy shady conditions and cooler weather between April and June. They propagate so quickly that many American gardeners consider them weeds. Flower colors include blue, white, pink, and red across cultivars.

Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum × superbum

TypePerennial

OriginCalifornia

SunFull Sun

Size1–3 ft

ZoneUSDA 4–10

The Shasta daisy was created by crossing the best characteristics of an Oxeye daisy, Portuguese daisy, and English daisy. It produces white flowers with gold to butter yellow centers. The name comes from the white snow of Mount Shasta in California. Shasta daisies attract butterflies, resist deer and rabbits, and tolerate drought. They bloom from June through September and need dividing every 2–3 years to maintain vigour.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii

TypePerennial

OriginSouth Africa

SunFull to Partial

Size12–18 in

ZoneUSDA 8–10

Gerbera daisies rank among the top 5 most popular cut flowers worldwide. The National Garden Bureau named 2013 the Year of the Gerbera. These South African natives produce large, photogenic flower heads in yellow, white, pink, red, orange, violet, lavender, salmon, and bicolored varieties. They prefer morning sun and need water at the soil level to prevent fungal diseases on their foliage. Gerbera daisies need high humidity and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil for the best color production.

Oxeye Daisy

Leucanthemum vulgare

TypePerennial

OriginEurope

SunFull to Partial

Size1–3 ft

ZoneUSDA 3–8

The Oxeye Daisy is a free-flowering plant that blooms for 4 weeks from late spring to mid-summer. It tolerates deer, rabbits, drought, and salt, making it extremely low-maintenance. Butterflies are its primary pollinators. Oxeye daisies are classified as invasive in 12 U.S. states because of aggressive self-seeding. Use them in contained wildflower gardens or cottage gardens where spreading is acceptable.

Painted Daisy

Tanacetum coccineum

TypePerennial

OriginAsia

SunFull Sun

Size2–3 ft

ZoneUSDA 3–7

Painted daisies get their name from the watercolor-like shades of magenta, white, red, and yellow they produce. They are a favourite flower of butterflies. The leaf sap of painted daisies is toxic to humans and some pets. Painted daisies prefer drought over humid, sweltering weather and start blooming in early summer with a possible second showing in fall when spent blooms are deadheaded.

Marguerite Daisy

Argyranthemum frutescens

TypeAnnual

OriginCanary Islands

SunFull Sun

Size2–3 ft

ZoneUSDA 10–11

The Marguerite daisy (also called cobbitty daisy) produces repeating blooms in yellow, pink, and white throughout the growing season. Marguerite daisies perform best during spring and fall when nighttime temperatures drop below 75°F (24°C). Shearing them back during summer heat encourages a fresh flush of blooms when autumn rains arrive.

Cape Daisy (Osteospermum)

Osteospermum spp.

TypePerennial

OriginSouth Africa

SunFull Sun

Size1–3 ft

ZoneUSDA 10–11

Cape daisies (also called African daisies) produce two-layered flowers measuring up to 4 inches wide in purple, pink, white, yellow, and blue. The petals close at night and on overcast days, conserving energy that fuels their bloom period from early spring through the first frost. Cape daisies attract pollinators with their nectar-rich disc florets.

Swan River Daisy

Brachyscome iberidifolia

TypePerennial

OriginAustralia

SunFull Sun

Size1–1.5 ft

ZoneUSDA 9–11

Swan River daisies produce small flowers (about 1 inch in diameter) in lavender, blue, yellow, and white. Despite their small size, the blooms are so colorful and abundant that Swan River daisies work as a central garden feature. Gray-green foliage provides a soft textured backdrop from summer into fall. These daisies tolerate sandy, clay, and rocky soil.

Gloriosa Daisy

Rudbeckia hirta

TypePerennial

OriginNorth America

SunFull Sun

Size1–3 ft

ZoneUSDA 3–7

The Gloriosa Daisy (also known as Black-eyed Susan) produces brilliant yellow flowers with a dark brown to deep burgundy center. It blooms throughout summer and fall, reseeds aggressively, and is drought-tolerant. Seeds germinate at 70°F (21°C). Gloriosa daisies are popular with florists for summer and early fall bouquets and make an excellent tall backdrop flower behind shorter border plants.

Golden Marguerite

Anthemis tinctoria

TypePerennial

OriginEurope, Asia

SunFull Sun

Size1–3 ft

ZoneUSDA 3–7

Golden Marguerite is the "bread and butter" of perennial gardens — a fast-growing daisy that blooms continuously throughout summer. It emits a pleasant chamomile-like fragrance that draws bees. The golden-yellow flowers contrast sharply with deep green stems and leaves. Golden Marguerite is evergreen in mild climates and tolerates poor soils and dry conditions.

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

TypePerennial

OriginNorth America

SunFull to Partial

Size2–4 ft

ZoneUSDA 3–8

Purple Coneflower is a cornerstone of native North American gardens. These hardy flowers tolerate drought, cold, poor soil, and humidity. They attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Echinacea may take up to 2 years to produce its first blooms from seed. Divide clumps every 3–4 years to reduce overcrowding and remove spent flowers to maintain appearance.

Blue Daisy

Felicia amelloides

ZoneUSDA 8–11

Size1–2 ft

A low-maintenance perennial shrub covered in periwinkle blue flowers all summer long. Attracts bees and butterflies. Native to South Africa.

Chocolate Daisy

Berlandiera lyrata

ZoneUSDA 4–9

Size12–15 in

Named for its chocolate fragrance — not its color. Yellow flowers bloom all summer and fill the air with a cocoa aroma. Tolerates extreme drought and cold. Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Livingstone Daisy

Dorotheanthus bellidiformis

ZoneUSDA 9–10

Size6 in

Forms a colorful carpet that thrives in poor, sandy soil. Blooms in orange, red, pink, yellow, and white. Does best before summer heat sets in. Excellent for coastal environments.

Florist's Daisy

Chrysanthemum morifolium

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size2–3 ft

A type of chrysanthemum prized by florists for its full, tissue paper-like blooms in deep pink, red, orange, and purple. Blooms late summer through fall. A year-round staple in floral arrangements.

Crown Daisy

Glebionis coronaria

ZoneUSDA 5–9

Size2–4 ft

The yellow ring around the center forms a cheerful crown amidst white petals. Blooms late spring through autumn. Leaves and flowers are edible — commonly used in East Asian cuisine. Attracts bees and butterflies.

Butter Daisy

Melampodium divaricatum

ZoneUSDA 2–11

Size6–24 in

Golden yellow flowers resembling small sunflowers. Blooms continuously from May to the first frost. Reaches flowering within 6–8 weeks from seed. Low-maintenance and fast-growing.

Dahlberg Daisy

Thymophylla tenuiloba

ZoneUSDA 9–11

Size6–12 in

Petite flowers no more than ½ inch across on spreading plants. Excellent for borders and rock gardens. Drought and heat tolerant — rarely needs watering once established.

Damianita Daisy

Chrysactinia mexicana

ZoneUSDA 7–11

Size1–2 ft

Fragrant, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. Abundant yellow blooms cover the ground in spring and fall. Perfect for rock gardens and xeriscape designs. Bugs avoid its foliage and flowers.

Curly Leaf Daisy

Arctotis revoluta

ZoneUSDA 9–11

Size1–2 ft

Thrives in heat and drought. Blooms from spring through early fall with cheerful yellow flowers. Native to South Africa.

Euryops Daisy

Euryops pectinatus

ZoneUSDA 9B–11

Size2–3 ft

Also known as bush daisy for its shrub-like growth habit. Iconic yellow daisy flowers bloom abundantly all summer before dying back for winter. Returns reliably in warm climates.

Aster Daisy

Symphyotrichum

ZoneUSDA 4–8

SizeUp to 4 ft

Fall-blooming favourites in lavender-purple with yellow centers. Popular with pollinators and excellent for native gardens. Available in pink, purple, blue, and white.

Chrysanthemum Daisy

Chrysanthemum spp.

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size2–3 ft

A fall garden staple in white, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Buy plants with unopened buds for the longest bloom display. Keep soil consistently moist.

Blue-eyed Daisy

Arctotis stoechadifolia

ZoneUSDA 8–11

Size1–2 ft

White petals with a violet-blue center. Flowers close each evening, revealing a lavender underside. Described in scientific literature in 1767 by Peter Jonas Bergius.

Desert Star Daisy

Monoptilon bellidiforme

ZoneUSDA 9–10

Size0.2 in

One of the smallest daisies — never exceeds 1 cm in length. White or rose-tinged with a yellow center and blue tint. Drought-resistant and ideal for xeriscaping and rock gardens.

Townsend Daisy Species

Townsend daisies (genus Townsendia) are a group of 9 North American native species named after David Townsend, an amateur 18th-century Pennsylvanian botanist. Most Townsend daisies are small, low-growing alpine plants found in the Rocky Mountain corridor and western United States.

Annual Townsend Daisy

Townsendia annua

TypeAnnual

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size6 in

One of the taller Townsendia species. White florets that start as pink buds. Grows April–September in desert conditions across west and south Texas. Narrow leaves up to 1 inch long.

Dwarf Townsend Daisy

Townsendia minima

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size1–2 in

Native exclusively to Bryce Canyon in southwest Utah. White to indigo or pink-tinted flowers with 8–21 ray petals. Named for its tiny size — grows on exposed cliffs in rocky soil.

Easter Daisy

Townsendia incana

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size1–5 in

Low-growing perennial with a compact cushion of silver leaves. Grows in open, rocky, and sandy soils. Winter hardy down to -10°F. Dense white hair covers its leaves, and reddish-brown stems add visual interest.

Hooker's Townsend Daisy

Townsendia hookeri

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 3–9

SizeUnder 6 in

Found across the Rocky Mountain corridor — Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and into Canada. Grows on slopes and gravel exposures, especially road cuts. Produces stemless cream and light pink flowers.

Jones' Townsend Daisy

Townsendia jonesii

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size2 in

A rare species found in Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, and Wyoming. Blue or violet flower rays with white blooms in April–June. Prefers grasslands, sagebrush steppes, and dry forests.

Last Chance Townsend Daisy

Townsendia aprica

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 6

Size0.5–1 in

Endangered species. Only 15 known occurrences with approximately 6,000 total plants discovered in the wild. Stemless with orangish-yellow ray florets. Coal mining operations destroyed much of its native habitat in Utah.

Parry's Townsend Daisy

Townsendia parryi

TypeBiennial

ZoneUSDA 4–7

Size10–12 in

Native to California with lavender florets and yellow disc center. High tolerance for low water conditions. Requires at least 6 hours of continuous, direct sunlight daily. Blooms in early summer.

Rothrock's Townsend Daisy

Townsendia rothrockii

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 6–9

Size2–3 in

Rare alpine daisy from Colorado snow-melt areas. Pale lilac flowers on short stems. Needs good drainage. Plant seeds in winter to break dormancy and get a head start on spring growth.

Showy Townsend Daisy

Townsendia florifer

TypeAnnual

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size6 in

White and pink flowers bloom June. Found in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Prefers dry, open plains and foothills alongside sagebrush. Produces hairy fruit called achene with stiff bristles.

Wyoming Townsend Daisy

Townsendia alpigena

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 3–9

Size6 in

Grows on steep slopes at forest edges in alpine conditions. Colors range from white to pink, deep purple, and light blue. Used by Navajo people as diuretics. Seeds can be pressed into baking oil for livestock feed.

African Daisy Species

African daisies originated in southern Africa and include 9 species in the genera Arctotis and Gerbera. Most African daisies are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and produce striking color contrasts between their ray florets and disc centers. Flower heads close at night and on cloudy days.

Blue-eyed African Daisy

Arctotis grandis

ZoneUSDA 8a–11

Size2 ft

Grey to bright blue center eye surrounded by a yellow ring in white flowers. Buds close in late afternoon and on cloudy days. Survives dry conditions and poor soil.

Barberton Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii

ZoneUSDA 8–11

Size2–3 ft

Popular worldwide for its striking white-to-orange-to-red contrast coloring. Blooms year-round in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Grows best in chalk, sand, or loam soil types with high humidity.

Blushing Daisy

Gerbera viridifolia

ZoneUSDA 8–11

Size1–2 ft

Stemless perennial with mauve-purple flowers and dark center. Attracts honeybees. Found on mountain slopes and damp grasslands in South Africa. Flowers in spring with sporadic blooming throughout the year.

Cape Daisy (Arctotis)

Arctotis fastuosa

ZoneUSDA 4–11

Size1–3 ft

Also known as Monarch of the Veldt or Zulu Prince daisy. Attracts bees with nectar-rich flowers. Colors range from white to bright red. Flowers open in response to sunlight and warmth.

Cream African Daisy

Arctotis stoechadifolia

ZoneUSDA 8a–11

Size1 ft

White and creamy flowers with a steel blue eye and surrounding yellow ring. First described in 1767. Resistant to heat, short-term drought, and slight frost. Grows in dunes and dry conditions.

Namaqua Marigold Daisy

Arctotis hirsuta

ZoneUSDA 8

Size1–2 ft

Bright yellow and orange flowers that attract birds. Lightweight seeds disperse far through wind. Found on sandy flats and slopes near coasts in the South African Western Cape.

Renoster Marigold Daisy

Arctotis acaulis

ZoneUSDA 9

Size½–1 ft

Stemless daisy (acaulis means "without a stem" in Greek). In ancient times, the grey felt under its leaves was scraped off and used as fire-starting tinder. Fast-growing, easy to care for, and produces a long-lasting, showy display of bright colors.

Karoo Marigold Daisy

Arctotis venusta

ZoneUSDA 8a–11b

Size1–2 ft

White petals with a greyish-blue underside and a core surrounded by a yellow circle. Bees are the primary pollinator. Europeans began cultivating this daisy about 100 years ago, producing many hybrid Arctotis venusta varieties.

Botterblom Marigold Daisy

Arctotis arctotoides

ZoneUSDA 9

Size1 ft

Fast-growing with cheerful butter-yellow flowers that bloom nearly year-round. Purplish-brown petal undersides. Makes a hardy cut flower — colors last several days in a vase. Leaf extract has anti-bacterial properties. Grows in clay and sand soil.

Desert Daisy Species

Desert daisies are drought-adapted species that thrive in arid climates with less than 10 inches (25 cm) of annual rainfall. These 3 species grow in the deserts of the southwestern United States and Australia.

Mohave Desert Star Daisy

Monoptilon bellioides

TypeAnnual

ZoneUSDA 9–10

Size0.4 in

Small white ray flowers with an occasional reddish tint. Blooms in spring after absorbing winter desert rain. Excellent for xeriscaping — a planting style requiring little or no irrigation. Grows on sandy or gravel-covered desert flats in Southern California and Western Arizona.

Rough Burr Daisy

Calotis scabiosifolia

TypePerennial

ZoneUSDA 4–8

Size12–18 in

Australian native with purple or mauve flowers and creeping stems. Found in Queensland, Victoria, and eastern Australia. Produces fruit with burrs for seed dispersal. Grows best in heavy clay soil with full sun exposure. Flowers throughout most of the year, primarily in spring.

How to Grow Daisies

Growing From Seeds

Start daisy seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow directly outdoors after frost danger passes. Press seeds into the soil surface — most daisy seeds need light to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist at 65–75°F (18–24°C). Germination takes 10–21 days. Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart once they develop 2 sets of true leaves.

Growing From Division

Divide established perennial daisy clumps every 2–3 years in early spring or fall. Dig up the entire clump, separate it into sections with a sharp spade (each section should have 3–5 shoots and a healthy root mass), and replant immediately at the same soil depth. Water thoroughly after replanting. Division prevents overcrowding, rejuvenates flower production, and gives you free new plants.

Container Growing

Grow daisies in containers at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide and deep with drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix (50% potting soil, 25% perlite, 25% compost). Gerbera daisies, Marguerite daisies, and English daisies perform best in containers. Water containers when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Fertilize container daisies every 2 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Daisy Care Guide

Why Are My Daisies Not Blooming?

Daisies fail to bloom for 5 main reasons:

1. Insufficient sunlight. Most daisies need 6+ hours of direct sun daily. Move container daisies to a sunnier spot or remove shade-causing obstructions.
2. Over-fertilization with nitrogen. High-nitrogen fertilizers produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5).
3. Overcrowded clumps. Perennial daisies that haven't been divided in 3+ years produce fewer blooms. Divide the clump and replant with more spacing.
4. Wrong season. First-year perennials from seed often don't bloom until their second year. Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) commonly takes 2 seasons.
5. Improper pruning timing. Pruning daisies in spring removes developing flower buds. Prune only in late fall after blooming ends or in very early spring before new growth starts.

Are Daisies Safe for Pets?

Are Daisies Toxic to Cats?

Yes, daisies are mildly toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists several daisy family members as toxic to cats. Chrysanthemums, Painted daisies (Tanacetum coccineum), and Chamomile contain pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and skin irritation in cats. English daisies and Shasta daisies cause milder gastrointestinal upset.

Are Daisies Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, daisies are mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs that eat daisy leaves or flowers may experience vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and skin rashes. Chrysanthemums are the most toxic daisy species for dogs. Contact your veterinarian, if your pet eats a significant amount of daisy plant material and shows symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours.

Companion Plants for Daisies

5 plants grow well alongside daisies because they share similar growing conditions and create complementary visual effects:

1. Lavender (Lavandula). Purple lavender spikes contrast with white daisy petals. Both prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Lavender's strong scent repels aphids that attack daisies.
2. Salvia. Blue and purple salvia flowers create a colour-rich backdrop behind shorter daisies. Salvia attracts hummingbirds that also pollinate daisies.
3. Coneflowers (Echinacea). Coneflowers are daisies themselves, and their tall pink-purple blooms pair well with white Shasta daisies. Both attract butterflies and tolerate drought.
4. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susans bloom at the same time as Shasta daisies, creating a white-and-gold display. Both are low-maintenance perennials.
5. Yarrow (Achillea). Flat-topped yarrow flower clusters in yellow, pink, or red complement daisy flower shapes. Yarrow attracts beneficial insects that control aphids and mites on daisies.

Daisy vs Similar Flowers

Frequently Asked Questions