Treasure Flower, African Daisy, Gazania ringens, Gazania longiscapa
Gazania (Gazania rigens), also known as Treasure Flower, is a warm-climate perennial often grown as an annual in cooler climates. Native to South Africa, it has adapted to many parts of the world as an attractive, flowering groundcover.
Habit and Size: Gazanias have a low, spreading growth habit, usually reaching a height of 8-10 inches (2-25 cm) and spreading about 6-10 inches (15-25 cm). There are two main types of Gazania:
Clumping Gazania: These Gazanias grow in dense clumps and are typically used in garden beds and borders. They produce an abundance of large, daisy-like flowers that can be single or multi-colored. Clumping Gazanias can also make for an excellent ground cover in sunny, dry areas where other plants may struggle.
Trailing Gazania: Also known as creeping Gazanias, these plants spread out and are often used as a ground cover or for trailing over walls or containers. They produce vibrant flowers just like their clumping counterparts, but they are generally lower-growing and have a sprawling habit.
Flowers: Gazania flowers are vibrant and daisy-like, growing up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. They come in a range of colors from yellow, orange, and red to pink and white, often with contrasting stripes or zones. Their petals may be adorned with a dark starburst or a ring of black dots surrounding their golden center. The blooms can be so alluring that they will have you crouching for a closer look.
An interesting feature of Gazania flowers is that they close at night and on cloudy days, opening again in full sunlight.
Foliage: They produce rosettes of spoon-shaped, dark green leaves that are often silvery-white underneath
Blooming Season: They bloom profusely in late spring and early summer. In mild winter areas, they bloom intermittently through the rest of the year.
Hardiness: Gazania is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. In cooler climates, it is often grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter.
Uses: Gazanias are used extensively in borders, rock gardens, containers, and as ground cover due to their vibrant colors and low spreading habit. They are also used for xeriscaping – landscaping in a style that requires minimal water.
Pollinators: Gazanias attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding an element of wildlife interaction to your garden.
Toxicity: Gazanias are non-toxic to humans and pets.
Drought Tolerance: Gazanias are highly drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for areas with low rainfall.
Invasiveness: In some areas, such as parts of Australia, Gazanias have been declared an invasive species as they can spread aggressively and crowd out native plants. It is always good to check with local guidelines before planting.
Growing Gazania in your garden can offer several advantages:
Vibrant and Attractive Flowers: Gazania produces large, daisy-like flowers in a variety of vibrant colors. These stunning flowers can add a splash of color to any garden, attracting attention and providing visual interest.
Drought Tolerance: Gazanias are highly drought-tolerant once established, making them a great choice for gardeners in dry climates or those looking to create a water-efficient garden.
Low Maintenance: These plants require minimal care. They do not need frequent watering, are generally disease-resistant, and do not require regular fertilization.
Versatility: Gazanias are highly versatile. They can be grown in borders, used as ground cover, planted in rock gardens, or kept in containers.
Attract Pollinators: Gazanias attract a variety of pollinators to your garden, including bees and butterflies. This can help improve the health of your garden and support local ecosystems.
Please note that Gazanias are considered invasive in some areas, so check local regulations before planting.
| Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
8 - 10 |
| Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
| Genus | Gazania |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm) |
| Spread |
6" - 10" (15cm - 25cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Salt, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Pathways, Patio And Containers, Hanging Baskets, Ground Covers, Edging, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Gazania, with its vibrant and abundant flowers, can be used in various ways in garden design. Here are a few ideas:
Ground Cover: Gazania’s low growth habit and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for ground cover. Use it to fill in bare patches in your garden or to create a colorful carpet of flowers. It’s particularly effective on sunny slopes or banks where other plants might struggle.
Borders and Edges: The bright, showy flowers of Gazania are ideal for adding color and interest to the front of borders. They can also be used to edge paths or driveways for a delightful summer display.
Container Gardening: Gazanias are a perfect choice for container gardening. Their low, mounding habit and vibrant flowers make them a stunning addition to pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets. They can be grown alone or combined with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants.
Rock Gardens: Their drought tolerance and love for well-drained soils make Gazanias perfect for rock gardens. Their vivid blooms provide a striking contrast to the rocks and add a touch of color.
Mass Planting: For a stunning display, plant Gazanias en masse in a sunny spot. This will create a sea of color throughout the summer months and attract a variety of pollinators to your garden.
Coastal Gardens: Gazanias are salt-tolerant, making them a good choice for coastal gardens.
Gazania pairs well with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants. Here are some companion plants that work well with Gazania:
Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Lavender’s silvery foliage and purple flowers contrast nicely with the vibrant colors of Gazania.
Salvia (Salvia spp.): These drought-tolerant perennials come in a variety of colors that can complement Gazania’s bright flowers.
Succulents: The structural shapes of succulents like Sedum, Echeveria, or Agave provide a nice contrast to Gazania’s daisy-like flowers.
Ornamental Grasses: Tall, airy grasses like Blue Fescue or Mexican Feather Grass can add texture and movement to a bed of low-growing Gazania.
Marigold (Tagetes spp.): Marigolds are another sun-loving, colorful flower that can stand up to dry conditions and pair well with Gazania.
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.): Coneflowers add height and attract pollinators, making them a great partner for Gazania.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow’s delicate, fern-like foliage and clustered flowers make it a great companion for Gazania.
Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium): This drought-tolerant plant provides a splash of color and works well in similar conditions as Gazania.
Remember, all companion plants should have similar light and moisture requirements to ensure they grow harmoniously together.
Growing Gazania plants is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Choosing a location: Gazanias prefer full sun to grow best, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade but will produce fewer flowers.
Soil preparation: Gazanias prefer well-drained soil. They can tolerate poor soil conditions, including sandy or rocky soil, but they don’t do well in heavy, waterlogged soil. If necessary, improve your soil’s drainage by adding some compost or coarse sand.
Planting: If you’re growing Gazanias from seeds, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. If you’re planting Gazania seedlings or potted plants, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets.
Watering: Water the plants well after planting. Once established, Gazanias are drought-tolerant and will need watering only during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizing: Gazanias generally don’t require much fertilization. However, you can give them a light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season to promote vigorous growth.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer. You can also pinch back the plants in early spring to promote bushier growth.
Overwintering: In colder climates (below USDA hardiness zone 9), Gazanias are often grown as annuals. If you want to overwinter them, bring them indoors before the first frost, or mulch heavily around the plants to protect the roots.
Remember, Gazanias can be invasive in some areas, so always check with local guidelines before planting.
pimonpim / 123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
8 - 10 |
| Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
| Genus | Gazania |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm) |
| Spread |
6" - 10" (15cm - 25cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Salt, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Pathways, Patio And Containers, Hanging Baskets, Ground Covers, Edging, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
