We’re planting …irresistible daisies
If you love the simplicity of daisies, here are three different types that are sure to delight you.
Daisies have a special charm that translates easily into the garden. It’s their simplicity that is so appealing.
Summer to autumn flowering Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum) are the classic daisies, with sunny yellow centres and white single or double petals. When massed they make a bold statement.
Tough growers like Osteospermum ‘Blue Eyed Beauty (pictured below) are ideal groundcovers for rockeries, slopes and beds, while the dependable Argyranthemum ‘Madeira’ range is a bushy, low growing border plant and attractive patio plant.
Most daisies are hardy, drought tolerant and grow easily in many parts of the country. They grow best in full sun, especially if you want them to keep their heads up. They like soil that drains well, either garden soil mixed with compost for good drainage, or more sandy soil.
They benefit from two to three applications of fertiliser in summer. A fertiliser like Vigorosa 5:1:5. contains more potassium than nitrogen for good flower production. Water regularly in summer and remove the dead blooms regularly to promote further flowering.
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum)
‘Victorian Secret’ (picture above) and ‘Snow Lady (picture below) are compact Shasta daisies, unlike the older varieties that can grow tall and fall over. ‘Victorian Secret’ grows knee high with ruffled white blooms. It tolerates extreme heat. ‘Snow lady ’ grows 35cm high and wide, with neat growth and masses of single white daisies.
Both grow. in full sun or partial shade, in normal soil and flower in summer. The blooms attract butterflies. Divide plants every two to three years in spring to retain their vigour. Plant in borders or in large containers.
‘Goldfinch’ is the first yellow flowering Shasta daisy. The semi-double blooms start as bright lemon yellow and gradually mature to ivory white. They are carried on strong stems and last well in the vase. Plants grow 45 to 60cm high and wide. They grow in full sun or partial shade. Remove the dead flowers to make space for new growth. After the first frost cut the plant down to half its height.
Cape Daisies (Osteospermum)
Osteospermum hybrids from the original species come in a breath-taking range of colours. They flower best in spring and autumn. The ‘Serenity’ series offers 12 different colours, including the ‘Magic’ colours of Sunset, Rose and Pink that change colour as the flowers mature.
‘Serenity’ grows into a compact, upright bush (30 –40 cm high), with glossy dark green leaves. Compared to its predecessors, this new variety is hardier; a tough, no fuss garden plant with a better shape and better selection of flower colours.
To flower well and remain compact, osteo’s should be planted in full sun, or full morning sun. Give a monthly application of a potassium-rich fertiliser, like Vigorosa, to boost flowering. Once established, plants are drought tolerant but will flower better with regular watering. Water the plants whenever the soil feels dry.
Marguerites (Argyranthemum)
Argyranthemum ‘Madeira’ is suitable for small gardens and borders as it forms a very compact bush. In addition to sparkling white there are also shades of deep rose pink and yellow. The lacy texture of the leaves gives it a delicate appearance, a good choice for borders or patio containers.
Argyranthemum flower best when planted in full sun, in well composted soil and are watered regularly. Dead heading and trimming keeps them flowering throughout summer. Like most flowers in the daisy family, argyranthemum attracts butterflies and other pollinator insects.
