But Wait, There's More...
Earlier, I posted the perfect plant for Daisy lovers, but then, as I was working on our new garden in our new yard, it occurred to me that I neglected 2 of my favorites, one being the perfect old Phoenix standby (the African Daisy) and the other a darling varietal that we seem to acquire here in the valley only about every 2-3 years.. I apologize for my senior moment and forgetfulness, but I am so glad I was able to add both of these plants to my yard (and blog) and hopefully you will enjoy these pops of color in your yard, too.
So, oh boy, here goes….
Marguerite Daisy
This shrub-like Phoenix perennial with petite, pretty, pastel blooms tends to favor the cooler temperatures, so here in urban Phoenix area they are most healthy and full during our spring and fall months, (March/April and October/November).
I don’t plant seeds but instead like to buy mine in 1 gallon pots. it has been my experience that they are hard to find and not always available every year. Perhaps I am not shopping in the right place, but when I find them, I snatch them up.
These Daisies are often fantastically used in pots in sunny entrance ways and widely used in parks and botanical gardens as well as displayed indoors as bonsai plants.
I like them because they are dainty. They grow 2 to 3 feet tall and spread about 3 feet in an almost perfect rounded shrub without any pruning or shaping by humankind. Keep this in mind when choosing their location, as they will grow wider, blocking sunlight to other smaller flowers. The Margs prefer full sun (although they will do just fine in partial sunlight) with proficiently draining soil and regular watering, but don’t over water the daisies, as this will affect the plant. They are susceptible to root rot, mold, and mildew if overwatered. Care of marguerite daisies is pretty care free. The plants are not usually plagued by most commonly known Phoenix area pests. Although at times people claim the usual suspects may visit them. If so, there are pesticides like neem oil to take care of that.
Known as a perennial in our area, it will look pretty rough and rugged throughout the hot summers and most people tend to pull them; but if you hang in there, they will come back and bloom for two or three seasons. To increase the bushiness of the Marg, pinch and pop off any dying flowers before it gets real hot, as this will promote blooming later, but come summertime, I would leave alone if you can stand it. Don’t cut back or the cut portions could “burn”. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the pot and almost twice as wide. I add a dash of bone meal and 2 cups or so of fresh potting soil, then fill the hole with your diggings of garden soil, and add water. I add my vitamin B and homeopathic Aconite for plant shock on or about the 2nd day after planting and then some miracle grow at approximately 1 week after planting. We keep our Margs on a sprinkler system to be watered for a few minutes each day in the early morning. *Interesting fact: In the 16th century, a Norwegian Princess was very fond of the fresh and refined little flowers so she named it after herself. Marguerite! The symbolism of this perennial is pride, satisfaction and joy. Because it represents pride….below, please find this photo of mine in our yard, November 2019. Proudly, the two beautiful bushes on the right were our marguerite daisies.
African Daisy
Quite a sturdy plant, which is why you’ll often see them growing along our roadsides and out in fields.
Bloomers in our summers of full sun, they are also known to live in partial shade, too. Also called Osteospermum or Gazania, the African Daisy looks a lot like a daisy and comes in bloom colors of white, yellow, blue, orange and sometimes pink. They are a nice bright shock of color for people who only want rock gardens while living in our desert climate and so easy to care for. They get about 4 – 6 inches in diameter and as high as 12 inches tall. They bloom from April to August.
The African Daisy belongs to the Calendula family, (think marigolds) and is also part of the sunflower family; again, a group of strong plants.
It’s known as a perennial in our area, for its’ hardiness and like many desert plants, will get long and leggy in midsummer.
A light trim keeps the plant neat and tidy while encouraging new blooms.
They can tolerate partial shade, but this will likely cause them to produce fewer flowers so best to give them full sun.
You always know spring has arrived when the African daisies start to pop. They tell us that cold mornings are probably over and we can turn off the furnace.
I water my daisies a lot, like every day for a few minutes. They like moist soil and I give them fertilizer and vitamins once every 6 weeks. The daisies close at night, so not the ideal plant for your evening sitting area or happy hour spot.
They will continue their bloom if the mature bushes are divided every two or three years and the non-productive center of the shrub is discarded. This not only improves their overall appearance but will also stimulate new growth, more blooms.
Mature taller flowers can be cut and placed in vases and floral arrangements, lasting a week to 10 days. (For me this is an added bonus of this plant)
Our African Daisies are a big hit with bees and butterflies and particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
So plant in the spring as they will tolerate cooler, early spring weather, then they’ll take a break during the hottest part of summer before giving off new blooms in the fall.
Like me, African Daisies love the Phoenix Area. They are strong, colorful, desert dwellers and thrive in the sun.
