English Daisy Bellis perennis 'Dresden China'
ABOUT
The Bellis perennis 'Dresden China', commonly known as the English Daisy, is a charming perennial plant known for its picturesque daisy-like flowers. It features a lush mound of deep green foliage, from which sprout long-stemmed, cheerful flowers. These blooms exhibit a densely packed array of pointed petals, radiating around a bright yellow central disk. The petals may vary in color, often presenting shades from white through pink to red, contributing to its decorative appeal. Additionally, thanks to selective breeding, the 'Dresden China' cultivar boasts doubled flowers, adding a fluffy, pompom-like effect to the blossoms. This cultivar is particularly valued for its abundant and prolonged flowering period, during which it brings a vibrant splash of color to gardens, borders, and containers. The English Daisy's delicate appearance and vibrant colors make it a popular choice for ornamental displays and traditional cottage gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, English Daisy, Bruisewort, Dresden China.
Common names
Bellis perennis
ToxicityTo humans
Common daisy is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the common daisy is not known to cause serious poisoning or adverse symptoms in humans. However, some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions if they are sensitive to the plant.
To pets
Common daisy is generally not toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to result in serious poisoning. However, as with humans, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they eat large quantities of the plant, especially if they are not used to it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds colorful blooms to gardens with its range of pastel hues.
- Ground Cover: Helps fill gaps and covers bare patches in garden beds.
- Pollinator Attraction: Invites bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Cold Tolerance: Resilient in cooler climates and can survive frost with proper care.
- Edible Flowers: Can be used as a garnish in salads and other culinary dishes for a hint of color and decoration.
- Lawn Alternative: Can be used to create a living carpet in garden spaces or lawns.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers prolonged periods of flowering from early spring to autumn.
- Companion Planting: Compatible with a variety of other plants, aiding in integrated garden design.
- Borders and Edging: Ideal for defining edges of garden beds and walkways due to its compact growth habit.
- Pot and Container Gardening: Suitable for growing in containers for decks, patios, or balcony gardens.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Bellis perennis, commonly known as the common daisy, has been traditionally used for its mild anti-inflammatory properties.
- Wound Healing: It is believed to promote wound healing when applied as a poultice.
- Astringent: It may act as an astringent, helping to tighten and tone the skin.
- Cough and Cold Remedy: Infusions of the plant have been historically used to treat coughs and colds.
- Muscle Pain Relief: There have been uses of common daisy in the form of an extract or ointment to help relieve muscle pain.
- Digestive Aid: It has been used in traditional medicine to aid digestion and treat gastrointestinal issues.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative garnishes in culinary presentations β Daisy flowers can add a pop of color and a whimsy touch to salads and desserts.
- Natural dye source β The petals of daisies can be used to produce a subtle dye for fabrics or paper.
- Craft projects β Preserved or fresh daisy flowers can be incorporated into craft activities, like making bookmarks, pressed flower art, or greeting cards.
- Eco-friendly confetti β Dry daisy petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Garden pest repellent β Some gardeners use daisies among their vegetable plots believing that they may help deter certain pests.
- Indicator of soil health β The presence of daisies can indicate certain soil conditions, such as compacted soil, which they often thrive in.
- Companion planting β Daisies can be planted alongside vegetables and other plants as part of a companion planting strategy to enhance biodiversity.
- Educational tool β Daisies can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant biology and pollinators.
- Floral crowns and arrangements β Daisies are popular in creating bohemian-inspired floral crowns or casual floral arrangements.
- Lawn diversity β When allowed to grow in lawns, daisies can contribute to the biodiversity of the turf and offer habitat for insects.
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: The Bellis perennis, commonly known as the English Daisy, often symbolizes innocence due to its delicate and unassuming appearance.
- Purity: Like many white flowers, the English Daisy is associated with purity and the uncomplicated nature of childhood.
- Loyal Love: Given their habit of opening with the sunrise and closing at sunset, English Daisies also represent loyal love and commitment.
- New Beginnings: English Daisies are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, making them a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Beauty: The 'Dresden China' variety of English Daisy, with its unique rosette of petals, is often revered for its quaint beauty and simplicity.
- Childlike Playfulness: With their bright and cheerful demeanor, English Daisies evoke a sense of childlike playfulness and joy.
WaterThe common English Daisy should be watered deeply yet infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 gallon of water should suffice, ensuring the root zone is adequately moist. During hot or dry spells, the frequency may need to increase to maintain consistent moisture. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage diseases, aiming the water directly at the soil instead. Monitoring the soil moisture is key, as overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering for the English Daisy.
LightEnglish Daisies flourish best in full sun to partial shade conditions. They need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day but appreciate some shade during the hottest part of the day. Placing them in a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade can ensure they receive the right balance of light without being scorched by intense heat.
TemperatureEnglish Daisies prefer cooler temperatures and can typically withstand a temperature range between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure a light frost, with minimum temperatures not dropping below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are found in the cooler end of the temperature range, making them perfect for spring and fall gardening.
PruningPruning English Daisies involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage continued blooming throughout the season. Additionally, you should trim back the foliage in late fall to tidy up the plant and remove any dead or diseased leaves. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis rather than at a set interval, with the best time for substantial pruning being in early spring or after the main flowering period has ended.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe English Daisy 'Dresden China' thrives in well-draining, rich soil with a neutral to slight alkaline pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and sand or perlite can create an ideal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingEnglish Daisy 'Dresden China' does not commonly require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and shows signs of stress due to limited space.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Daisy 'Dresden China' prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the typical humidity levels found in most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a sunny window and keep the soil moist for indoor English Daisy care.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade; water regularly to maintain moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleBellis perennis 'Dresden China', commonly known as the English Daisy, begins its life cycle through seed germination, typically in cool, moist soil conditions of spring or autumn. The seedlings develop into a rosette of leaves at ground level, from which the roots grow downward to establish the plant. During the vegetative stage, the plant produces a dense clump of spoon-shaped leaves. The plant then enters the reproductive stage, producing a profusion of button-like flowers on leafless stems, with colors varying from white to pink and red; this typically occurs in late spring to early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into small seed heads that disperse seeds for the next generation. The English Daisy may enter a period of dormancy during high summer heat, but often perennials, continuing its life cycle when conditions improve.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Bellis perennis 'Dresden China', commonly known as the English Daisy, is most commonly propagated through seed. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in late spring or early autumn when the soil temperature is mild, favoring germination. To propagate, seeds should be scattered lightly on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix. They require light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil but pressed lightly into the substrate. The seed tray should then be placed in a bright, warm location, avoiding direct sunlight, which can dry out the soil or scorch the tender seedlings. English Daisy seeds typically germinate within 14 to 21 days. Seedlings can later be transplanted to their final growing positions once they have developed several true leaves and the threat of frost has passed.
