The Bellis perennis, commonly known as the daisy chain flower, is a familiar sight on lawns in cool and damp areas. With the help of plant breeders, there are now numerous vibrant and abundant versions of this English daisy that you can cultivate in your own garden.
To assist you in finding the appropriate products, we provide links to vendors. We may receive a commission if you purchase anything from our links. Keep reading to discover how to cultivate ample amounts of these vibrant flowers for creating daisy chains, drying them as cut flowers, or incorporating the edible blossoms into salads and sweets for an extended period! The following topics will be discussed:
The plant known as B. perennis is commonly known as English daisy, despite being native to northern Africa, western Asia, and Europe and well-suited to grow in Zones 3-9.
The common or lawn daisy is a well-known plant found in grassy areas, hence its other common names. It grows up to six inches tall with foliage that can reach four inches in width. Its scientific name, B. perennis, means “pretty everlasting,” but why the term “everlasting”? While these plants are naturally perennial, they are often grown as biennials or annuals and disposed of after blooming. However, they self-seed easily and will reappear year after year if left alone. The English daisy has been used for medicinal purposes since the Middle Ages, particularly as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as for treating coughs and congestion.
Back in the day, healers used to make leaf poultices and ointments out of B. perennis, which was also known as bruisewort or woundwort. These were used to treat wounds and bruises, while distillations were sometimes taken internally to deal with liver inflammation. These days, it’s not really used as a medicine anymore. However, leaf infusions are still considered handy for keeping bugs at bay. Despite its innocent appearance, B. perennis has become a widespread weed after naturalizing in North America and escaping from gardens. It’s even listed as invasive in certain places like Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand.
Looking at the positive aspect, the English daisy has been recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society as an ideal plant for pollinators. Its attractive features lure various insects, including butterflies, as well as important pollinators like bees, flies, and beetles.
Breeding English daisies can be achieved through two methods: seed propagation and division. While the former requires you to collect the seeds from your own plants or let them self-seed, it is important to note that double forms may revert to single blooms after a few generations. For guaranteed double flowers, consider purchasing seeds online or from a local nursery.
Towards the end of spring to fall, the seeds reach maturity subsequent to the blooming and pollination of flowers. You have two options for propagating these plants: let them self-seed or gather the seeds and sow them promptly after collecting.
To sow seeds in Zones 3-7, it is recommended to do so from mid-summer to early autumn. On the other hand, for Zones 8-9, sowing seeds directly on cool soil in early spring or late autumn is ideal. Since the seeds require light to germinate, spreading them on the soil surface is necessary. Alternatively, starting seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the average last frost date in your area is also possible. Simply sow them on top of a soilless propagation medium in trays or individual pots and ensure that they are placed in a bright spot with a temperature of approximately 70°F. After 10-25 days, the seeds will begin to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist, and once the plants grow to about three inches tall, they can be transplanted into the garden after hardening off. These plants will typically establish their roots in the first year and bloom in the second year. To have annual flowers, it’s best to seed every year during springtime. Another option is to divide mature clumps in the spring or summer after flowering since these plants are naturally perennials, even though many people consider them as biennials.
To ensure a successful transplanting process, it is important to know that the roots of the plants are fibrous and shallow. When digging, make sure to go 12 inches deep and six inches out from the crown. To divide the plant, use a sharp shovel to cut it in half or thirds before replanting it right away. With this method, you should expect to see the plants show signs of reinvigorated growth. Additionally, it is recommended to amend the soil with compost when planting divisions, seedlings, or nursery starts to increase their chances of thriving.
To achieve proper growth of English daisies, it is recommended to space the plants at a four-inch distance from each other and plant them at the root ball’s depth while keeping the crown at soil level. Adequate watering is essential after planting. These flowers can thrive in Zones 3-9 without requiring much maintenance, except for regular watering. They only bloom for a short period during the cool spring months, and their flowers may disappear once summer’s heat arrives.
These plants flourish in environments that are cool and damp, therefore it is recommended to plant them where there is partial shade in locations with scorching summers, and full exposure to the sun in areas with nippy climates.
Plants of this variety thrive in soil that is enriched with organic matter and is well-drained yet moist. They cannot tolerate drought, so it is essential to ensure they are adequately watered. They can grow in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, provided the pH level remains within the range of 5.5 to 6.5. If you planted them in poor soil without compost, consider fertilizing them with an all-purpose fertilizer such as Burpee’s in early spring.
You have the option to cultivate English daisies in pots as well with the help of All Purpose Granular Plant Food. Choose a container that is equipped with proper drainage and fill it with permeable potting soil. During the blooming phase, water the plants generously to ensure their healthy growth.
It is important to keep in mind that plants grown in pots or containers tend to lose moisture faster compared to those planted in the soil.
If you want your English daisies to thrive during hot summers, it’s advisable to plant them in partially shaded areas. The soil should be kept moist, and it should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. For maintenance, you can prune the plants by removing spent flowers. This will promote repeat blooming and prevent self-seeding. Alternatively, you may choose to remove the entire plant after the flowers die to avoid self-seeding. When choosing cultivars, you’ll find that English daisies are available in pink, red, or white. There are series of cultivars that come in a mix of colors, or with each color available individually. Breeders have also developed double cultivars that are so full of petals that the center is often barely visible.
Let me share with you some of the flower cultivars that I absolutely love:
One of them is Bellissima Red, which boasts beautiful deep rose to red flowers complemented by glossy green leaves and a yellow center. Its six-inch stems and eight-inch spread make it an impressive addition to any spring garden dominated by pastel hues.
Another favorite of mine is Galaxy Rose, from the Galaxy series. It produces large, rose-colored flowers with striking yellow centers.
The plants discussed in this series have the ability to produce a dense and colorful flower carpet, which grow up to six to eight inches tall and are often utilized in public areas that are underplanted with tulips or placed in containers. Cultivars such as Pomponette White showcase round flowers that have so many petals the center is obscured. These bright white flowers bloom on stems that are six inches tall. Similarly, Tasso Pink produces an abundance of frothy pink blooms on four to six-inch stems, making it an excellent choice for garden beds and planters. Seeds for Tasso Pink are available through Seedville on Amazon. Another cultivar from the Tasso series is Strawberries and Cream, which boasts large, dense, pom-pom shaped flowers with creamy white and rose petals, and a small red center.
The cuteness of the six-inch stemmed flowers is undeniable, making them perfect for floral arrangements. Furthermore, even after the blooming period, the foliage maintains a rich green hue. As for pests and disease concerns, English daisies are typically low-maintenance. However, it’s still advisable to be cautious and on the lookout for any potential problems.
Sometimes, unwanted insects can pay a visit to these lovely daisies. The most common culprits are aphids, which might cause trouble for your English daisies if you’re not careful.
Prevent the destructive larvae of Duponchelia fovealis from damaging your plants by using Monterey Horticultural Oil, a highly effective product that can be purchased at Arbico Organics. Discover more tips on how to manage aphids in our comprehensive guide. The European Pepper Moth is known to harm all parts of plants, including roots, with its larvae causing significant damage. When feeding on leaves, the larvae initially create rounded nibbles on the lower edges, but eventually consume the entire leaf.
When plants are positioned closely, the larvae may devour the top leaves. Moreover, older larvae can nibble into stems, in addition to feeding on leaf waste. Regrettably, once the harm is visible, the pest infestation will probably be challenging to manage. Nonetheless, this pest typically affects commercial growers more than home gardeners. To curb its prevalence, cultural practices like clearing dead and wilted leaves and leaving sufficient space between plants are useful measures.
One way to control pests in your garden is through the use of biological controls like beneficial nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis which can be purchased from Arbico Organics. Another natural option is the use of rove beetles, specifically the Dalotia or Atheta coriaria species. These beetles can be found in the soil and live in your garden but can also be purchased from Arbico Organics for release. Disease is not usually a problem for English daisy, but in humid conditions, it may be susceptible to pathogens that cause rot such as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which can cause water-soaked lesions at the base of the stems.
When the stem infection takes hold, plants can quickly wither and decay. Lesions will be visible, often accompanied by the fluffy white growth that gives this pathogen its name. Since the fungus thrives in damp environments, it can be difficult to control in moisture-loving species like English daisies. To prevent further contamination, it is important to remove any affected plants or parts from the garden and ensure proper spacing between healthy specimens. These small, ground-covering plants are perfect for bulb beds and add a burst of color when planted alongside tulips, buttercups, and forget-me-nots. For maximum impact, plant in groups to create large patches of bright spring hues.
Why not spice up your outdoor space by using containers and featuring some beautiful plants? You can even use certain cultivars as a cut flower due to their height, and they dry well too!
Researchers are currently examining extracts obtained from English daisies to evaluate their efficacy for various purposes, including alleviating mild postpartum bleeding and lowering blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, this plant is edible, with its leaves and flowers being utilized in salads and confections. However, if you intend to consume any part of the plant, ensure that it was organically grown and not exposed to toxic substances recently. English daisies are herbaceous flowering perennials/biennials, which bloom in pink, red and white shades. They are native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia and can tolerate frost and clay soil. These plants require low maintenance and bloom during spring. They thrive when planted in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.6, at a spacing of four inches. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Growing up to 3-6 inches tall, English daisies are suitable for bulb beds, containers, cut and dried flowers, and mass plantings. They have a medium growth rate and belong to the Asteraceae family. They need moderate to high water levels and are classified as Bellis perennis species. While they may require more watering than some of their relatives, these carpet-forming daisies are an essential component of creating daisy chains, which everyone loves.
With its charming hues, the English daisy is a delightful addition to any spring garden. After the dreary winter months, the burst of bright colors is a much-welcomed sight. Share with us in the comments section about your spring garden and what early spring blooms you cultivate. Are you planning on incorporating English daisies into your garden this year?