English Daisy Bellis perennis Tasso Series (d)
ABOUT
The Bellis perennis Tasso Series, commonly known as the English daisy, boasts a charming and ornamental appearance. This cultivar is notable for its dense, double-flowered pom-pom like blooms that exhibit a rich array of colors, from deep reds and pinks to pure whites with vibrant yellow center disks. The petals are numerous, tightly layered, and may have finely fringed tips, contributing to their fluffy and textured look which is a captivating sight in any garden. The flowers rise above a lush rosette of small, spoon-shaped leaves that are bright green, forming a dense and tidy foliage that serves as a backdrop to the showy blossoms. During the blooming period, the English daisy becomes a carpet of color, turning heads and inviting admiration for its quaint and cheerful display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
English Daisy, Lawn Daisy, Common Daisy, Bruisewort, Tasso Daisy.
Common names
Bellis perennis Tasso Series.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Bellis perennis Tasso Series is English Daisy. English Daisy is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist, so it's always advisable to refrain from ingesting plants that are not typically used for culinary purposes.
To pets
The common name for Bellis perennis Tasso Series is English Daisy. English Daisy is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Should a pet ingest a part of this plant, it's not expected to cause a toxic reaction or show symptoms of poisoning. Nonetheless, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the fiber content or sensitivity, but significant toxicity is not anticipated with this particular plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and lush texture to gardens with its dense, quilled double flowers that come in a range of colors.
- Extended Bloom Time: The Tasso Series is known for its lengthy flowering period, which can enhance a garden's visual appeal for a longer duration.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Cold Tolerance: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, which can extend the growing season in some regions.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and as ground cover, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms are edible and can be used to embellish salads and desserts, adding a touch of elegance to culinary presentations.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Bellis perennis, commonly known as English daisy, contains saponins which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Wound healing: Traditionally, the plant has been used topically for wound healing due to its possible antiseptic properties.
- Muscle pain relief: Infusions or extracts of English daisy have been used in folk medicine to alleviate aches and muscular pains.
- Respiratory aid: It has been used in herbal medicine to address coughs and bronchial issues.
- Skin care: The plant has been used for skin disorders such as eczema, although scientific evidence is limited.
- Diuretic effect: Historically, English daisy has been used to promote diuresis.
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 to create a living mulch in garden beds, where its thick growth helps suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- The bright blossoms of the daisy can be used in crafts, such as natural jewelry making, where the flowers are dried and embedded in resin.
- Common daisies can be used to make a natural plant dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from greenish-brown to beige, depending on the mordant used.
- Daisy chains made from Bellis perennis can serve as a biodegradable party decoration, providing an eco-friendly alternative to plastic garlands.
- Educational use for children involves using the common daisy to learn basic plant biology, such as flower structure and pollination through hands-on activities.
- The plant is sometimes used in pet-friendly garden designs, as it's non-toxic and can tolerate some trampling by small animals.
- Daisies are used to naturally aerate lawn areas, as they are deep-rooted and can help improve soil structure and nutrient cycling.
- As a traditional symbol of innocence and purity, daisies are often incorporated into storytelling and folklore activities to convey these themes.
- Common daisies are used in photography classes as a subject to teach students about macro photography and natural light capturing techniques.
- Culinary arts occasionally make use of daisy petals as an edible decoration for salads and desserts, providing a mild flavor and splash of color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe English Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe English Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: The Bellis perennis, commonly known as the English Daisy, is often associated with innocence due to its simple yet cheerful appearance.
- Purity: Its pristine white petals are symbolic of purity, a trait that aligns with its innocent charm.
- Childhood: English Daisies are reminiscent of childhood and are often used to evoke memories of youth and playfulness.
- Transformation: Given the daisy's progression from bud to bloom, it represents transformation and the ability to change in a positive way.
- Loyal Love: The daisy is also a symbol of loyal love and commitment, making it a fitting gift in romantic contexts.
- New Beginnings: The flower can denote new beginnings or a fresh start, often tied to its appearance in the early spring.
WaterThe common Daisy should be watered regularly, ensuring that the soil is kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water the Daisy ideally in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow any water that gets on the foliage to dry during the day, preventing disease. Depending on the weather conditions, watering once or twice a week with about 16 ounces of water should suffice to keep the soil moist. During hot spells or in arid climates, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moisture levels. It's always best to check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightDaisies thrive in full sun to partial shade, so select a spot in the garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid areas that are fully shaded, as insufficient light will result in fewer flowers and a leggy plant. Ideal lighting conditions ensure that the plant receives bright, direct light for the majority of the day.
TemperatureDaisies prefer cooler temperatures and can generally tolerate a temperature range from about 40°F to 75°F. They perform best in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, making them suitable for spring and fall blooms. Daisies can withstand a light frost, but temperatures below 40°F may damage or kill the plant, while temperatures above 75°F can stress the plant and cause it to go dormant.
PruningDaisies benefit from regular pruning to promote bushy growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done consistently throughout the blooming season to encourage new flowers to form. Pruning back the foliage after the first killing frost in fall can also help the plant maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease. The best time for a more thorough pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for English Daisy is a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporating organic matter such as compost will enhance nutrient content and drainage.
RepottingEnglish Daisies, being biennials or short-lived perennials, typically do not require frequent repotting. Repot as needed, every 1-2 years, or if the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Daisy prefers moderate to high humidity but is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, water regularly, and protect from extreme heat.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as the English Daisy, Bellis perennis Tasso Series begins its life as a seed, germinating in cool temperatures of early spring or fall. Once sprouted, seedlings grow into a rosette of spoon-shaped leaves close to the ground. Flower buds develop on short, leafless stems and blossom into semi-double to fully double flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. After blooming, which can occur throughout spring and into early summer, the plant undergoes pollination, often by insects, leading to the development of small achenes (fruit) containing seeds. English Daisy can self-sow, allowing new plants to emerge from these seeds in subsequent seasons. In some climates, Bellis perennis behaves as a perennial, entering a period of dormancy in winter before resuming growth and flowering in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Bellis perennis Tasso Series, commonly referred to as the English Daisy, is through division. This technique is typically carried out in the spring or early fall to allow the plants time to establish themselves during moderate weather conditions. To propagate by division, gardeners dig up an existing clump of English Daisies and carefully separate it into smaller sections by either gently teasing the roots apart with their hands or using a sharp knife to cut through the root ball. It's important to ensure that each section has a good amount of roots and at least one growing point or shoot. Once divided, the sections are replanted at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced approximately 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) apart to give them sufficient room to grow. They should be kept well-watered until they are established in their new locations.
