English Daisy Bellis perennis 'Romi Red' (Romi Series)
ABOUT
The Bellis perennis 'Romi Red' (Romi Series), commonly known as the English daisy, is a charming perennial plant that is particularly celebrated for its vibrant floral display. This variety flaunts a profusion of striking deep red flowers that feature densely packed petals radiating around a bright yellow central disk, creating a delightful contrast that can catch any onlooker's eye. The blooms have a pompom-like appearance, due to the layers of petals that add depth and texture to the flower heads. The foliage of the Romi Red English daisy forms a lush, compact rosette made of spoon-shaped leaves. These leaves are fresh green in color and have a slightly hairy texture, which helps to accentuate the brightly colored blooms held above them. The plant has a neat, mounded habit, presenting an orderly and tidy appearance in the garden. Throughout its flowering season, the English daisy 'Romi Red' provides a continual splash of color that can be used to enhance borders, containers, and gardens designed for aesthetic appeal. Its characteristic red blossoms make it a favorite among gardeners looking to create bold accents or attract pollinators to their outdoor spaces. The cheerful presence of this plant makes it a popular choice for adding a touch of traditional charm to a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
English Daisy, Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, Daisy.
Common names
Bellis perennis 'Romi Red' (Romi Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Common daisy is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant data suggesting that Common daisy, including the 'Romi Red' variety, contains any toxic substances that would lead to poisoning upon ingestion. However, as with any plant not meant for consumption, individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort cannot be completely ruled out if ingested in large quantities.
To pets
Common daisy is not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The 'Romi Red' variety should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if ingested by pets. Nevertheless, it is always best to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of any non-food plant material, as it might cause mild digestive upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color with its red flowers, enhancing garden beauty.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Edging Plant: Ideal for borders due to its compact size and dense growth.
- Long Blooming: Offers a lengthy flowering season from spring to fall.
- Tolerates Various Soils: Adaptable to different soil types, making it versatile for various garden locations.
- Cold Hardy: Resistant to frost and can thrive in cooler climates.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires less watering, conserving water resources.
- Ground Cover: Can form a mat that helps suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Used to reduce inflammation.
- Wound healing: Applied to skin abrasions and wounds for its healing properties.
- Astringent: Acts as a skin toner to firm up the skin.
- Diuretic: Promotes the removal of excess water from the body through urination.
- Expectorant: Helps to clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Cough relief: Employed to ease cough symptoms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daisy crafts: The brightly colored petals of the common daisy can be used in crafting, such as making homemade greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Natural dye: The petals of the common daisy can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, wool, or even homemade paints.
- Lawn alternative: Low-growing varieties of the common daisy can be utilized as a flowering lawn alternative that requires less mowing.
- Educational tool: The common daisy can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant biology and the lifecycle of a flower.
- Edible decoration: The flowers of the common daisy are edible and can be used to decorate cakes, salads, and other dishes.
- Photography subject: With its vibrant red petals, the common daisy is an excellent subject for macro and nature photographers.
- Garden indicators: Common daisies can be used as an indicator species in gardens to signal soil health and general garden well-being.
- Ecosystem support: By planting common daisies, gardeners can provide support for local ecosystems, offering food and habitat for beneficial insects.
- Scented drawer sachets: The petals of the common daisy, when dried, can be used in drawer sachets to impart a light, pleasant smell to linens and clothing.
- Artistic inspiration: The form and color of the common daisy can serve as inspiration for artists in various mediums, including painting, textiles, and sculpture.
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, traditionally symbolizes innocence due to its simple yet cheerful appearance.
- Purity: Its clean, white petals have been associated with purity, making it a common choice in medieval artwork to represent the Virgin Mary.
- Childlike Playfulness: The English Daisy often evokes a sense of joy and the carefree days of childhood.
- Loyal Love: Despite its delicate look, the daisy is a hardy plant that returns year after year, representing loyal and enduring love.
- New Beginnings: Daisies open their petals at dawn, signifying new beginnings and the fresh start of a new day.
WaterThe common English Daisy should be watered regularly, maintaining a consistent level of moisture without allowing the soil to become soggy. Ideally, you should water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This is likely to mean watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. Use about a gallon of water each time for outdoor plants or less for smaller, potted specimens to ensure even soil moisture. During hot or windy weather, the plant may require more frequent watering, so it's important to check the soil more often.
LightEnglish Daisies thrive best in full sun to partial shade conditions. They need at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day to flourish. The optimal spot for this plant would be an area that receives morning sunlight and is shaded from the more intense afternoon sun. These conditions will promote vigorous growth and optimal flowering.
TemperatureEnglish Daisies prefer cooler temperatures and can endure a range of conditions. They can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 20°F and are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. The ideal growing temperatures for the English Daisy are between 50°F and 70°F. Extreme heat can be detrimental to the plant, so providing some shade during the hottest part of the day in summer is advisable.
PruningPruning English Daisies involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and to maintain a tidy appearance. This should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. At the end of the season, trim back the foliage to help rejuvenate the plant for the following year. The best time for pruning to shape the plant is in early spring, just as new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the common daisy 'Romi Red' should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture containing peat, loam, and perlite or sand will foster healthy growth. The optimal soil pH for 'Romi Red' daisies is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCommon daisy 'Romi Red' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. They are not particularly fast-growing so frequent repotting is not necessary, but ensure they are not root-bound.
Humidity & MistingCommon daisy 'Romi Red' thrives in moderate humidity levels. They are not overly dependent on high humidity, so average room humidity is typically sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Romi Red' daisy in bright indirect light; water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant 'Romi Red' daisy in full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Bellis perennis 'Romi Red', commonly known as the English Daisy, begins with seed germination, occurring in cool temperatures and moist soil conditions. After germination, the seedlings develop into a rosette of oblong leaves close to the ground. The plant undergoes vegetative growth, during which it forms a sturdy root system and leaf structure. Following vegetative growth, it enters the flowering stage in spring or early summer, producing vibrant red flowers with a yellow center. After pollination, which can be through self-fertilization or with the help of insects, the flowers develop into small seed heads containing numerous tiny seeds. The plant completes its life cycle when these seeds disperse and find suitable conditions to germinate, beginning the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the English Daisy 'Romi Red' is through seed sowing. Propagation time is ideally in the early spring or late summer. To propagate, choose a well-draining seed starting mix and sprinkle the seeds lightly on the surface, as they need light to germinate. Gently press the seeds into the mix without covering them. Keep the seeded tray or pots in a bright location with a temperature around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius). Consistently keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 14 to 21 days, after which seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden when the risk of frost has passed.
