Various Daisy Species Suitable for Diverse Gardening Environments
Daisies are a beloved addition to any garden, offering a wide variety of shapes, colors, and easy care. This guide presents 28 top daisy varieties suitable for gardens, along with their descriptions and growing conditions based on detailed research.
1. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
- Classic white-petaled daisy with yellow centers, about 20 inches tall.
- Thrives in well-draining soil, grows invasively in grasslands and meadows.
- Considered a pest by dairy farmers as it taints milk.
- Hardy and easy to grow.
2. Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens)
- Annual native to the Canary Islands with fragrant white flowers.
- Prefers full sun, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil.
- Blooms from summer through fall.
3. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
- Perennial with a larger, bushy habit (up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide).
- Classic daisy look, great for cut flower arrangements.
- Blooms spring to summer.
- Hardy in Zones 4 to 9.
4. Silver Townsend Daisy (Townsendia incana)
- Small daisy with silvery foliage due to tiny white hairs on stems.
5. Common Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
- Hardy perennial herb with feathery leaves and small daisy-like flowers about 12 inches tall.
- Prefers sunny spots with free-draining soil.
- Used in teas and herb gardens.
6. German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Hardy annual, up to 16 inches tall with aromatic daisy-like flowers.
- Easy to grow from seed in spring, prefers sun and well-draining soil.
7. Chamomile ‘Treneague’ (Ornamental variety)
- Non-flowering, forms dense carpet of aromatic foliage, good for lawns.
8. Chamomile ‘Flore Pleno’ (Dwarf variety)
- Dwarf plant with white pompom-like flowers, suitable for containers, borders, and small gardens.
Additional varieties commonly recommended for gardens (based on general horticultural knowledge beyond the direct search results) often include:
9. African Daisy (Osteospermum spp.) – Heat tolerant, wide flower colors, blooms in warm climates.
- Shin Daisy (Helenium spp.) – Bright yellow/orange daisy-like flowers, blooms late summer.
- Painted Daisy (Tanacetum coccineum) – Colorful daisy flowers, prefers sunny, well-drained soil.
- Gerber Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) – Large and vibrant flowers, grown as annuals or houseplants.
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – Small white daisies, used medicinally, prefers sun and well-drained soil.
- Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus) – Coastal tolerant, low-growing, purple and white flowers.
- Bush Daisy (Asteraceae family, various) – Many heat-tolerant species with daisy blooms.
- West Indian Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus) – Groundcover with daisy-like flowers, tough and spreading.
- Beach Daisy (Arctotis spp.) – Thrives in hot, dry conditions, large colorful flowers.
- Daisy Bush (Euryops pectinatus) – Evergreen shrub with yellow daisy flowers, drought tolerant.
- Yellow Oxeye Daisy (Telekia speciosa) – Tall with yellow daisy flowers, shade tolerant.
- Blue Daisy (Felicia amelloides) – Compact perennial with blue daisies, prefers sun.
- Mexican Daisy (Tithonia rotundifolia) – Tall, bright orange flowers, attracts pollinators.
- Tropical Daisy (various Argyranthemum cultivars) – Exotic forms, full sun, well-drained soil.
- Red Daisy (Rhodanthe chlorocephala) – Australian native, drought tolerant with colorful flowers.
- Yellow Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria) – Bright yellow flowers, prefers full sun.
- Painted Marguerite (Anacyclus pyrethrum) – Small bushy perennial with white flowers.
- Swan River Daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia) – Low growing with lavender, blue or white flowers.
- Beach Daisy (Arctotis stoechadifolia) – Succulent-like foliage tolerance to poor soils and drought.
- Moss Daisy (Argyranthemum spp.) – Fragrant foliage, classic daisy flowers, sun lover.
Growing Conditions Summary: - Most daisies prefer full sun and well-draining soil. - Many are hardy perennials, but some (like Marguerite and German Chamomile) are annual or tender perennials. - Heat and drought tolerance vary but several (African daisies, beach daisies, daisies native to Mediterranean or dry climates) tolerate heat well. - Chamomile varieties also do well in herb gardens, borders, and containers, thriving in sunny, well-draining sites.
This selection gives garden enthusiasts a broad palette of daisies with varied sizes, flower colors, bloom times, and tolerances for different climates and soil conditions. For more specific advice on your local climate and soil, consulting local extension services or gardening groups is recommended.
[1] Garden Guides: Daisy
[2] BHG: Daisy Flowers
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can incorporate various daisy varieties, such as the Shasta Daisy, into their landscaping projects for a touch of classic beauty.
- For those seeking pollinator-friendly flowers, the Mexican Daisy (Tithonia rotundifolia) is an excellent choice due to its large, bright orange blossoms.
- Perennials like the Silver Townsend Daisy (Townsendia incana) and Common Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) not only enhance the garden's decor but also serve as practical additions for tea and herb gardens.
- To create a cohesive lifestyle in the home-and-garden, one may consider pairing the daisies with pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while utilizing annuals and perennials that complement their growing conditions.
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), with its small white daisies and medicinal properties, can be grown to contribute to a holistic approach in the garden and home.