Daisy Bellis perennis Bellissima Series
ABOUT
The Bellis perennis Bellissima Series, commonly known as the English daisy, features a distinctive and charming appearance that is recognized by its lush, spoon-shaped leaves forming a tight rosette at the base. From this rosette, multiple stems emerge, each topped with a single flower head. These blossoms are particularly noteworthy for their layered petals that radiate around a bright yellow disk center, resembling the classic daisy look. The flowers come in a variety of shades, including white, pink, red, and rose, with some varieties displaying petals that graduate in color towards the tips, adding to their vibrant appeal. The English daisy in this series presents a cheerful and compact look that is often used to add a pop of color to gardens, borders, and containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, English Daisy, Bruisewort
Common names
Bellis perennis.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Bellis perennis Bellissima Series is English Daisy. English Daisy is not known to be toxic to humans. It is considered safe and is even used in traditional medicine and edible flower cuisines. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, as it is not poisonous. Ingesting parts of this plant should not result in any harmful consequences to humans.
To pets
The English Daisy is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. It is generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. There should be no symptoms of poisoning associated with it if pets ingest this plant. Thus, typical ingestion of parts of the English Daisy is unlikely to cause any severe consequences for pets. However, it is still prudent to monitor pets if they consume plant material, as individual sensitivities can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Spread
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: The Bellissima Series daisies are known for being undemanding and easy to grow, making them a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long blooming period: These daisies typically have a generous flowering period that stretches from early spring to autumn, providing extended color in the garden.
- Low maintenance: They require minimal care once established, needing only regular watering and occasional feeding.
- Attracts pollinators: Daisies are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting biodiversity.
- Edging plant: Their compact growth habit makes them excellent for borders, edging, and providing structure in garden designs.
- Color variety: Bellissima Series offers a range of colors, giving gardeners the opportunity to design colorful, varied floral displays.
- Cut flowers: The daisies are suitable for cutting and can be used to create charming bouquets for indoor decoration.
- Resistant to many pests: They are relatively hardy and can resist many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Tolerant of various soil types: These plants are adaptable to a range of soil conditions, although they prefer well-drained soil.
- Cold-hardy: The Bellissima Series daisies are capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making them suitable for many climates.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Used traditionally to reduce inflammation in conditions such as bruises and wounds.
- Astringent: May have been used to tighten skin and mucous membranes, thus reducing secretions and relieving irritation.
- Diuretic: Traditionally, it has been used to promote the excretion of urine.
- Expectorant: Supposedly helps in the removal of mucus from the respiratory system.
- Wound healing: Used in folk medicine for its possible wound healing effects and to help with skin regeneration.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daisy chains and children’s crafts: The flowers of the common daisy are often used to make daisy chains, which can be a fun, educational craft for children, teaching them about the structure of flowers and encouraging creativity.
- Natural lawn replacement: Because daisies are hardy and can be walked on without much damage, they can be used as a low-maintenance, natural alternative to traditional grass lawns.
- Eco-friendly confetti: The petals of daisies can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at weddings and celebrations, reducing waste and environmental impact.
- Garden markers: Pressing the flowers and attaching them to sticks can create natural, attractive markers for different rows or sections in a garden.
- Photography subjects: Their vibrant colors and symmetrical shape make daisies a popular subject for photographers looking to add natural beauty to their portfolios.
- Floral arrangements: Daisies can add a whimsical touch to floral arrangements and are often used for their aesthetic appeal and ability to fill in spaces between more dominant flowers.
- Companion planting: Daisies can be used in vegetable gardens as companion plants to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting a healthier and more productive garden ecosystem.
- Natural dye: The petals of daisies can be boiled to create a light-yellow or greenish dye for fabrics or crafts, offering a non-toxic alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Salad garnishes: While not for consumption in large quantities, the petals of the common daisy can be used to add a pop of color to salads and other culinary presentations.
- Living mulch: Daisies can serve as living mulch by covering the soil, helping to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
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 represents purity and innocence due to its simple yet charming appearance.
- Childhood - The daisy is frequently connected with the carefree days of childhood, evoking a sense of nostalgia and simplicity.
- Patience - Because daisies close their petals in the evening and reopen with the morning sun, they are sometimes associated with patience and the anticipation of new beginnings.
- Purity - The daisy's bright and unblemished white petals are symbolic of cleanliness and virtue, making them a common choice for bridal bouquets.
- Beauty - With its Latin name meaning "pretty forever," the daisy symbolizes natural beauty and is often used to compliment someone’s attractive and unpretentious appearance.
- Loyal Love - The daisy, being a symbol of loyal love, reflects the strong bond and emotional fidelity between partners.
- Simplicity - The simple design of the daisy, with a circular yellow or sometimes pink center surrounded by delicate white petals, symbolizes simplicity and modesty in one's lifestyle or approach.
- New Beginnings - The daisy, blooming in spring, often stands for a fresh start or the beginning of an exciting journey.
WaterEnglish Daisy prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water regularly to maintain the right moisture level. During the growing season, water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be approximately every 7 to 10 days, depending on climate conditions. Provide about one gallon of water per square foot during each watering session to ensure that the soil is moistened to a proper depth. In periods of extreme heat or drought, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil from drying out completely. Adjust the watering schedule during the fall and winter months as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightEnglish Daisy thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal location for English Daisy would be a spot where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in very hot climates, protecting the plant with some light afternoon shade can prevent scorching and help maintain vibrant foliage and blooms.
TemperatureThe English Daisy performs best in cool to moderate temperatures, generally preferring a range of 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant. For optimal growth and flowering, aim to provide a temperate environment without exposure to prolonged periods of extreme heat or cold.
PruningEnglish Daisy benefits from regular deadheading to encourage continued blooming and to keep the appearance of the plant neat. Trim off the spent flowers as they fade, which may be every week or two during the peak blooming season. The best time for more extensive pruning is in the spring or after the main flowering period to shape the plant and promote denser growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe English Daisy thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for English Daisy Bellissima Series would include garden soil, compost, and peat moss or perlite for improved drainage.
RepottingEnglish Daisies typically do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for growth if they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Daisy prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions for growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, keep soil moist, protect from severe frost.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleBellis perennis Bellissima Series, commonly known as the English daisy or common daisy, begins its life cycle as a seed, which will germinate in cooler temperatures and moist soil conditions. Once sprouted, the seedling emerges and develops a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it forms flower buds atop leafless stems that bloom into the characteristic daisy flowers, with a central disk surrounded by ray petals, in various hues depending on the cultivar. After pollination, these flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If left undisturbed, the plant may self-seed and naturalize in an area. In addition to sexual reproduction, English daisies can also propagate vegetatively through the division of their root system, allowing for the cloning of parent plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The common daisy Bellis perennis Bellissima Series is most commonly propagated through seed. To propagate by seed, you will usually sow in late winter to early spring, or in autumn. Timing can vary depending on your climate, but you typically want to target around 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost for a spring sowing. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be sown on the surface of a moist, well-drained seed starting mix. They can be lightly pressed into the soil, but not covered. Keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of approximately 60-70°F (15-21°C), and germination should occur within about 14-21 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots before eventually moving them to their final growing locations.
