Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Common Daisy

The name of this genus derives from the Latin bellus, meaning 'pretty', and these perennials are certainly very attractive but considered a lawn weed in many cool-climate gardens. The original common name was 'day's eye', as the plant opens and closes its flowers according to the intensity of the light. These daisies have been cultivated for centuries and were often found alongside buttercups in English gardens. Today, they are popular rockery, edging and spring bedding plants. Although perennial, they are generally grown as biennials.

Species

B. perennis, the common daisy, is often found growing in lawns. It grows to 10 cm (4 in) and produces white flowers from early spring onwards. Although a weed, this species is the parent of many cultivars developed for the garden. There are many cultivars, with fully double or pompon-like flowers, in shades of red, pink and white.

Cultivation

Common daisies are suited to cool and cold climates and look wonderful among other colourful spring flowers and bulbs. They can be planted in almost any type of well. drained soil and in full sun or partial shade Raise plants from seed sown in an outdoor seed bed in early summer. Plant out in flowering positions in autumn.

Climate

Zone 4 and above.