Daisy Bellis perennis
ABOUT
B. perennis is an evergreen perennial forming rosettes of dark green, spoon-shaped leaves, with small, solitary, yellow-centred, pink-tinged, white daisies in late spring and summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, English Daisy, Bruisewort, Mary's Daisy, St. Mary's Flower.
Common names
Bellis hybrida, Bellis integrifolia, Bellis perennis var. caulescens, Bellis perennis var. hybrida, Bellis perennis var. pleniflora, Bellis pumila, Bellis pusilla, Bellis rotundifolia, Bellium bellidioides, Brachyscome perennis.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Bellis perennis, commonly known as the common daisy, is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil conditions and doesn't require much maintenance.
- Attracts pollinators: The common daisy's flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for garden biodiversity.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its classic white petals and yellow center, the common daisy adds natural beauty and charm to gardens and wildflower meadows.
- Lawn diversity: When allowed to grow in lawns, Bellis perennis contributes to a diverse and healthy lawn ecosystem, which can be more resilient to pests and diseases.
- Groundcover: The common daisy can serve as an effective groundcover, suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion with its dense foliage.
- Long flowering period: The plant has a long blooming season, often from early spring through to autumn, providing color and interest for an extended period.
- Edible flowers: The flowers of the common daisy are edible and can be used to decorate salads and other dishes, adding a touch of whimsy and a mild flavor.
- Cultural symbolism: As a symbol of innocence and purity, the common daisy is often used in literature, art, and folklore, giving it cultural significance.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Bellis perennis has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Wound healing: The herb is used in folk medicine to promote wound healing due to its purported antiseptic properties.
- Cough and cold treatment: It has been employed in the past to address respiratory conditions like coughs and colds.
- Diuretic effect: The plant has been used to increase urine output, potentially aiding in the removal of waste from the body.
- Skin health: It is sometimes used in the treatment of skin disorders like bruises and eczema due to its supposed soothing properties.
- Analgesic properties: Bellis perennis may have been used traditionally to alleviate minor pains and aches.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bellis perennis, commonly known as the common daisy, has been historically used in the art of daisy chains, where its flowers are threaded into necklaces, bracelets, or crowns as a traditional pastime.
- The petals of common daisy are edible and can add a pop of color to salads, sandwiches, or desserts, lending a slightly bitter taste which can complement various dishes.
- Common daisy has been used as a natural grass complement in lawns for those seeking a more floriferous, pollinator-friendly yard.
- It can be used as a natural indicator plant for soil compaction, as it favors compacted soils and can show where foot traffic is highest.
- The flowers of the common daisy hold potential as a natural dye, which can be used in textile and craft projects to impart a subtle color.
- Children often play the "he loves me, he loves me not" game by plucking the petals from a common daisy to predict the state of romantic affairs.
- When crushed, the leaves of common daisy have been traditionally used as a green dye for Easter eggs and other decorative purposes.
- Common daisy can be used to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in gardens and agricultural areas.
- The plant serves as a visual inspiration for artists and designers, with its classic shape featuring in clothing patterns, jewelry designs, and home décor.
- Bellis perennis can be included in educational projects and activities to help children learn about plant biology, life cycles, and ecology.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe common daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe common daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: Bellis perennis, commonly known as the common daisy, often symbolizes innocence due to its simplicity and association with children, who are traditionally seen as pure and innocent.
- Purity: Its clean, bright appearance gives it an association with purity and virtuousness, making it a common flower in depictions of the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography.
- Childlike Playfulness: The common daisy is associated with playfulness and joy, reminiscent of children making daisy chains and playing "He loves me, he loves me not."
- New Beginnings: Daisies often signal the start of spring and, therefore, symbolizes new beginnings or a fresh start.
- True Love: In some traditions, the daisy is a symbol of true love, with the flower sometimes used to represent loyal and undivided affection.
- Beauty and Simplicity: The daisy represents beauty in its simple form, illustrating the idea that there is elegance and grace in simplicity.
- Transformation: Because daisies close at night and reopen in the morning, they are sometimes used to symbolize transformation and the ability to rise above challenges.
WaterThe common daisy prefers consistently moist soil but is not tolerant of overwatering. During the growing season, it’s best to water the common daisy once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions, providing about one to two inches of water each time. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out. In cooler or rainy periods, you can reduce the frequency. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightCommon daisies thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that provides morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal, ensuring that the plant is not exposed to the intense heat of the midday sun which can stress the daisies.
TemperatureCommon daisies are hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures, but they grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as the upper teens and as high as the mid-80s. To ensure vigorous growth and abundant flowering, try to maintain an environment within their ideal temperature range.
PruningPruning common daisies helps to encourage bushier growth and more prolific flowering. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Seasonal pruning can be done in early spring or after the first flowering flush has ended to rejuvenate the plant and ready it for a new wave of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe common daisy, Bellis perennis, thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter; a mix of garden soil, compost, and peat is beneficial. The ideal pH range for the best soil health is between 6.0 and 7.0, which moderately acidic to neutral.
RepottingCommon daisies, Bellis perennis, don't usually require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals; however, if grown as perennials, they should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingCommon daisies, Bellis perennis, prefer moderate humidity levels, but they are quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors in temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place common daisy in bright light and keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant common daisy in sunny to part-shade; moderate water.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the common daisy, Bellis perennis, typically begins with seed germination, which occurs in cool, moist soil conditions, preferably in autumn or early spring. After germination, the seedlings grow into rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves at ground level. Vegetative growth continues as the plant develops a stout, leafless flowering stalk that bears one or more flower heads, which are the plant's reproductive stage featuring a yellow disc surrounded by white ray florets. Pollination is mainly carried out by insects attracted to the flowers. After fertilization, the flower heads mature into achenes, a type of dry fruit that contains a single seed. The plant completes its cycle by dispersing these seeds, either by wind or through animal agents, to give rise to new plants, and the plant may also spread vegetatively via underground stems known as rhizomes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The common daisy, Bellis perennis, is most successfully propagated through seed. The best time for sowing daisy seeds is either during the spring after the last frost, or in the fall where the climatic conditions are mild enough for seeds to overwinter. Seeds should be scattered lightly over the surface of well-draining soil and barely covered with a fine layer of soil or compost. Given their tiny size, daisy seeds require light to germinate effectively, so they should not be buried deeply. Germination typically occurs within 10 to 20 days if kept moist and at a temperature around 68 Fahrenheit (20 Celsius). Once the seedlings have grown and have at least their first set of true leaves, they can be thinned out and transplanted to their final positions, spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 centimeters) apart to allow for spreading.
