Gazania rigens

Bring instant, sun-powered color to your landscape with Gazania. This tough groundcover blooms generously in bright light, handles heat with ease, and keeps looking neat with simple deadheading. Perfect for edging, rock gardens, and low-water beds—Gazania delivers a vibrant display where other flowers struggle.

1. Basic Identification

Common Name: African daisy
Botanical Name: Gazania rigens
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Annual groundcover (flowering)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0366
Alternative Names:
African daisy
Treasure flower

2. Taxonomy & Classification

Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Gazania
Species: G. rigens

3. Origin & Distribution

Native to coastal regions of South Africa. Widely naturalized in Mediterranean climates, parts of Australia, California, and other areas with dry, sunny conditions. Commonly used in xeriscaping and groundcover plantings.

4. Visual Characteristics

Distinctive daisy-like composite flowers with vivid multicolored ray florets often featuring contrasting dark eye zones. Leaves form a basal rosette; gray-green tops with silvery undersides; lanceolate to pinnately lobed. Flowers open fully in bright sunlight and close at night or in overcast conditions.

5. Size & Dimensions

Flower diameter: 5–8 cm (2–3 in). Plant height: 15–30 cm (6–12 in). Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in). Forms low, mounded clumps.

6. Light Requirements

Thrives in full sun (minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but flower production diminishes significantly.

7. Watering Needs

Drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately; allow the top 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency during cooler months. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

8. Soil & Potting

Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils with pH 6.0–7.5. Tolerates poor, dry soils. In containers, use a free-draining potting mix and ensure adequate drainage holes.

9. Temperature & Humidity

Optimal growth in warm temperatures (18–35 °C / 65–95 °F). Hardy in USDA zones 9–11. Protect from frost; minimum tolerance around 5 °C (41 °F). Humidity tolerance is broad; does not require high humidity levels.

10. Fertilization

Light feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) monthly during the active growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, which can favor foliage growth over flowering.

11. Maintenance & Care Level

Low maintenance. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Divide congested clumps every 2–3 years for vigor.

12. Growth & Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring or by division of established clumps. Seeds germinate in 10–20 days at 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). Semi-ripe cuttings root easily in a free-draining medium.

13. Common Problems

Pests: aphids, spider mites. Diseases: root rot in poorly drained soils, powdery mildew, and leaf spots in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

14. Benefits & Uses

Ideal for groundcover, borders, rock gardens, container plantings, and xeriscaping. Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Provides long-lasting seasonal color in hot, dry locations.

15. Toxicity & Safety

Non-toxic to humans and pets. Considered safe; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are consumed.