Treasure Flower Gazania 'Aztec'
ABOUT
Gazania 'Aztec', also widely recognized as treasure flower, is a vibrant and showy plant known for its spectacular flower display and lush foliage. The most prominent feature of this plant is its daisy-like flowers, which come in a stunning array of vivid colors such as bright yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks. Often the petals have a striking, contrasting stripe of a darker shade that radiates from the center to the edges, drawing the eye inward to the flower's central disc, which is usually a deep, rich color. The foliage of the Gazania 'Aztec' is equally attractive, consisting of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are often a silvery-green color and covered with fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance. These leaves form a dense, ground-hugging rosette that provides a lush backdrop for the dynamic, sun-loving blooms. Gazania 'Aztec' flowers typically open with the morning sunlight and may close at night or on cloudy days. The visual effect of these blooms can be quite striking especially when planted en masse, creating a carpet of radiant color that can liven up any garden space. This plant's tolerance for dry conditions and poor soils, along with its resilient nature, make it a favorite among gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet stunning floral addition to their landscapes.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Treasure Flower, African Daisy
Common names
Gazania 'Aztec'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Gazania, including the 'Aztec' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While not typically associated with serious health effects, if ingested in large quantities it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or vomiting. It is always best to avoid ingesting any plant material unless it is known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Gazania is considered non-toxic to pets. Since the 'Aztec' variety is a type of Gazania, it is not expected to cause harm to dogs, cats or other pets if ingested in small amounts. However, ingesting large quantities of any plant may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort for pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It is advisable to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms after consumption.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Low maintenance: Gazania is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought tolerance: It is well-suited to dry climates and can thrive with little water once established, conserving water resources.
- Attracts pollinators: Gazania flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that aid in the pollination of gardens.
- Colorful blooms: Gazania produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Heat resistance: It can withstand high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for hot, sunny areas.
- Long blooming season: Gazania flowers from early summer until the first frost, providing extended periods of visual interest.
- Soil adaptability: It's adaptable to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Versatility: Gazania is suitable for ground cover, rock gardens, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Gazania as a natural dye: The vibrant petals of the Gazania can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from yellows to oranges, depending on the flower's hue.
- Educational purposes: Schools and other educational institutions might use Gazania in teaching botany or horticulture, illustrating plant growth, flower structure, and pollination processes.
- Photographic subject: The Gazania, with its striking colors, can be an excellent subject for photography, both for amateur garden photographers and professionals.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use Gazania flowers as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other forms of artistic expression due to their bold and bright appearance.
- Floriography: In the language of flowers, Gazania may be used to convey a message of 'secret love' or admiration when given as a gift in a bouquet.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties of Gazania petals can be used to garnish dishes and salads, contributing both color and a slight bitterness.
- Companion planting: In the garden, Gazanias can be planted alongside vegetables to attract beneficial insects or to serve as a colorful marker for crop rows.
- Seasonal festivals: Gazania blossoms could be incorporated into decorations for spring and summer festivals, representing the season's warmth and energy.
- Craft materials: Dried Gazania petals can be used in homemade crafts such as potpourri, natural confetti, or incorporated into papermaking for a unique touch.
- Sand stabilization: Planting Gazania in sandy gardens or beachside landscapes can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion due to the plant's hardy and spreading nature.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Gazania is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Gazania is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Beauty in Diversity: Gazanias come in a variety of colors, symbolizing the beauty and richness of diversity.
- Treasure: The vivid, sometimes nearly metallic petals of Gazanias can be associated with preciousness or hidden treasure, much like their namesake, the ancient Greek treasure city of Gaza.
- Perseverance: Gazanias thrive in harsh conditions and often open their flowers in response to bright light, representing resilience in adversity and the ability to shine when times are tough.
- Optimism: The flower’s tendency to follow the sun mirrors optimism and looking towards brighter times.
- Enjoyment of Life: Gazanias' bright and cheerful appearance can be seen as a reminder to enjoy the moment and find joy in everyday life.
- Water
Treasure flowers should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic their natural dry habitat. Ensure the soil is well-drained and allow it to dry out between waterings. On average, watering once a week during active growth with about 1 gallon of water per plant should suffice, but this may vary based on temperature and climate. Reduce watering in winter when the plant's growth slows down. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of underwatering with this drought-tolerant species.
- Light
Treasure flowers thrive best in full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform exceptionally well in bright, sunny spots, such as south-facing gardens or patios. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced, and the plant might not be as vigorous.
- Temperature
Treasure flowers prefer warm temperatures and can handle conditions up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected if temperatures exceed this. They can survive a minimum temperature down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Gazanias is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to grow and bloom successfully.
- Pruning
Prune Treasure flowers mainly to remove spent blooms and encourage further flowering. Deadheading the flowers can be done throughout the blooming season. Additionally, trim back any dead or damaged foliage to keep the plant looking its best and to prevent disease. The best time for pruning is early spring or after the blooming cycle has ended to prepare for the next season's growth.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Gazania, or Treasure Flower, thrives in a light, sandy mix that drains well, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. An ideal soil mixture for Gazania 'Aztec' would be three parts loam to one part coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
- Repotting
Treasure Flowers do not need frequent repotting since they perform well in somewhat restricted root zones. Typically, repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when they outgrow their current pot, is sufficient for maintaining plant health and vigor.
- Humidity & Misting
Gazanias, commonly known as Treasure Flowers, prefer dry conditions and can tolerate low humidity levels. They perform best in an environment similar to their native arid habitat; therefore, high humidity levels are neither required nor beneficial.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light, minimal water, protect from frost.
Outdoor
Full sun location, well-drained soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of a Gazania, commonly known as Treasure Flower, begins with the germination of seeds, which requires well-drained soil, warmth, and light. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage as they mature into young plants. As the Gazania grows, it forms a basal rosette of leaves, and upon reaching maturity, it produces vibrant daisy-like flower heads, typically during the warmer months. Following pollination, which is often aided by insects attracted to its bright colors, the plant sets seed. These seeds can be collected and sown or naturally dispersed to give rise to new plants. The Gazania, being a perennial in warm climates, may die back in winter to re-emerge in spring, while in cooler climates, it is often grown as an annual and completes its life cycle within one growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Gazania 'Aztec', commonly known as Treasure Flower, is most frequently propagated through the division of clumps. This method is typically performed in the spring or early summer, during the plant's active growth phase. To propagate Gazanias by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system intact. These sections can then be replanted immediately into well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. The divisions should be watered lightly after planting to help establish them in their new locations. This practice encourages healthy growth and can help gardeners to expand their collection of Gazanias or to rejuvenate older plants that have become overcrowded.