English Daisy Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety' (v)
ABOUT
The Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety' (v), commonly known as the English daisy, is a charming perennial with a lush, dense growth of spoon-shaped, rich green leaves that form a rosette close to the ground. The standout feature of this cultivar is its flowers. Throughout its blooming period, which spans from early spring into summer and sometimes again in the fall, the English daisy bears numerous eye-catching blooms. Each flower consists of a bright yellow central disc surrounded by delicate white petal-like rays, which may have a hint of pink blushing toward their tips. These dainty daisy flowers create a carpet of color, adding a classic, cottage-garden charm to any planting area. The overall appearance of 'Lower Minety' is one of a quintessential, fairy-tale meadow plant, bringing cheer and a sense of whimsy to the landscape where they're planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
English Daisy, Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, Bruisewort
Common names
Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety' (v) is Daisy. Daisies are generally considered non-toxic to humans and are not known to have any significant poisonous effects when touched or ingested in small quantities. However, consuming large amounts of any plant material could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is advisable to avoid consuming plant parts unless they are known to be safe and are prepared correctly.
To pets
The common name of Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety' (v) is Daisy. Daisies are generally regarded as non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. They are not known to cause serious harm if ingested in small, incidental amounts. As with humans, consumption of large quantities could lead to gastrointestinal upset in some pets, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from eating plants as a cautionary measure.
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
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety' is easy to cultivate and does not require specialized gardening skills.
- Landscape Beautification: With its vibrant flowers, it adds a splash of color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Flowering Period: The plant has a long flowering season, providing a prolonged display of its blooms.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Edging Plant: It can be used as a border or edging plant due to its compact growth habit.
- Ground Cover: Helps in covering bare spots in the garden, suppressing weeds, and reducing soil erosion.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Bellis perennis, commonly known as common daisy, has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Astringent: The plant has been used for its astringent properties, which can help in tightening the skin and reducing bleeding from minor abrasions.
- Expectorant: Common daisy has been known to possess expectorant properties, which can help in relieving symptoms of coughs and colds by aiding in the clearance of mucus from the airways.
- Digestive: The plant has been used to aid digestion and as a mild laxative.
- Emollient: Common daisy has emollient properties, making it potentially useful for soothing the skin and relieving minor skin irritations.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bellis perennis, commonly known as the common daisy, can be used as a natural lawn alternative or ground cover due to its low-growing, dense mat-forming habit and tolerance of regular foot traffic.
- The flowers are edible and can add a decorative touch to salads, soups, and sandwiches with their mild, slightly bitter taste and pretty appearance.
- Daisy chains can be created by children and adults alike as a traditional craft, threading the stems through each other to form necklaces, bracelets, or crowns.
- Common daisy can be used as a natural indicator of soil compaction; the plant often proliferates in areas where the soil is tightly packed and may benefit from aeration.
- The plant can be incorporated into a "living mulch" approach in gardens, providing a protective layer that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dried daisy flowers can be included in potpourri mixes for a subtle fragrance and to add a charming, rustic element to the decoration.
- As an educational tool, the common daisy's simple but efficient reproductive structure is often used to introduce children to the basics of plant biology and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- Artists and crafters might use the pressed flowers of the common daisy in creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or in other pressed flower craft projects.
- Common daisy plants can serve as host plants for various insect species, playing a part in maintaining local biodiversity and supporting beneficial garden insects.
- They can also be used in "green roofs" or living roofs, where their hardy nature allows them to thrive with minimal maintenance while helping to insulate the building below.
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 Daisy, often symbolizes innocence due to its simple yet elegant shape and is commonly associated with children.
- Purity: Its clean white petals reflect the idea of purity, making it a popular choice in bouquets for brides and for celebrations of new beginnings.
- Loyal Love: Because daisies are perennials and return year after year, they can represent loyal love and commitment that stands the test of time.
- Beauty: Daisies are often seen as symbols of beauty in their simplicity, signifying natural, unaffected and unpretentious allure.
- Patience: A daisy closing its petals at night and reopening them in the morning is seen as a symbol of patience and the routine of life.
WaterRegular watering is essential for the English daisy, particularly during dry spells. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. On average, water the plant with about one gallon per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During the peak of summer or in hotter climates, you may need to water more frequently, possibly every few days, to maintain consistent soil moisture. During cooler periods, or if the plant is in a particularly moist environment, watering frequency should be decreased to prevent overwatering.
LightEnglish daisies prefer full sunlight to partial shade to thrive. The best spot for planting would be an area that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers. Insufficient light can lead to leggy plants and fewer flowers, whereas too much direct, harsh sunlight can cause stress and wilting.
TemperatureThe English daisy flourishes in cooler temperatures and can endure a range in temperatures from around 30 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can survive light frosts, exposure to temperatures below 30 degrees may damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature conditions for robust growth and flowering are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning English daisies encourages bushier growth and more prolific flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Perform a more substantial trim back after the primary flowering period, usually in late spring or early summer, to rejuvenate the foliage and allow for a second flush of blooms. The best time for major pruning is immediately after the peak flowering has ceased.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor English Daisy 'Lower Minety', a well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter is ideal. The soil pH should be around 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth. Adding compost or peat moss can enhance soil quality and ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingEnglish Daisy 'Lower Minety' does not typically require frequent repotting. It may only need to be repotted every 2-3 years, or if the plant outgrows its current container and becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Daisy 'Lower Minety' thrives at average humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity adjustments, making it suitable for normal outdoor conditions or indoor environments without additional humidification.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation for English Daisy.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun and well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety', commonly known as the English Daisy, starts with seed germination, which typically occurs in cool and moist conditions. The seeds develop into a basal rosette of leaves as the seedling stage progresses. From this rosette, a flower stem emerges, leading to the flowering stage, during which the plant produces small, white, yellow-centered flowers. After pollination, which can involve insects or self-fertilization, the plant enters the fruiting stage where it develops achenes (a type of fruit) that contain seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy over winter if the conditions become unsuitable for growth. In spring, the plant resumes growth, either by regenerating from the rosette or by sprouting new seeds, thus completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Bellis perennis 'Lower Minety', commonly known as the English Daisy, is propagated primarily through seed. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is to collect the seeds after the flowers have faded and dried, which typically occurs late summer to fall. To propagate, seeds should be lightly scattered over prepared soil in a seedbed or directly in the desired location in the garden. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes 10-14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out or transplanted to give them enough space to grow. It's important not to cover the seeds with too much soil, as they need light to germinate effectively.
