Treasure flower Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' (Daybreak Series)
ABOUT
Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' features a radiant display of vivid orange daisy-like flowers. Each flower is characterized by its vibrant orange petals, which may have a slight gradient of color, intensifying toward the petal bases. The center of the flowers typically shows a golden to dark brown disc, which contains the florets and provides a striking contrast against the orange color. The petals are broad, overlapping, and slightly elongated, resembling rays emanating from the flower's center. The foliage of Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' is equally attractive, with leaves that are lance-shaped, showcasing a deep green color with a silvery undersurface. The leaves can also have a leathery texture, which helps the plant conserve water. The overall appearance of the plant presents a dense, ground-hugging habit that creates a carpet of color when in bloom. The bright blooms often open with the sun and may close in the evening or on cloudy days. This showy plant adds a splash of warm color to any garden, with its flowers standing out against the lush greenery of its leaves.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Treasure Flower, African Daisy
Common names
Gazania rigens 'Daybreak Bright Orange'.
ToxicityTo humans
Gazania is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There have been no major reports of poisoning or toxic effects from ingesting Gazania. Therefore, it is not expected to cause significant harm if accidentally consumed in small amounts. However, as with any plant, it's always best to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption and individual sensitivities or allergic reactions could occur.
To pets
Gazania is also considered to be non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It does not typically cause poisoning or serious side effects if pets ingest small portions of the plant. However, as with humans, consumption of non-food plants by pets should be avoided when possible, as individual animals may have different sensitivities, and ingestion could potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Bright Orange
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, essential for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: This plant is highly drought-resistant, making it ideal for hot and dry climates or water-wise gardening.
- Low Maintenance: Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' does not require much care, which is perfect for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Bright Color: The vivid orange flowers add a splash of color to gardens, borders, and containers, creating visual interest.
- Fast Growing: This plant can establish and spread relatively quickly, providing rapid coverage and satisfaction.
- Versatile: Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' is suitable for a variety of landscaping uses, including rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.
- Sun Loving: It thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for sunny spots where other plants may struggle.
- Extended Blooming Season: This Gazania offers a long flowering period from late spring to early fall, ensuring colorful displays for many months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gazania can be used in sensory gardens for visually impaired individuals, with their bright coloration providing high contrast that can be slightly easier for people with limited vision to enjoy.
- The bright petals of Gazania can be used in floral crafts, such as making natural dyes for fabrics or in potpourri mixtures, due to their intense color.
- Gazania flowers are excellent for educational gardens where they can be used to demonstrate plant biology and pollination processes to students.
- These flowers can be incorporated into living or green roofs in dry regions, as their drought tolerance makes them suitable for such environments.
- Gazania blooms can be used as natural indicators for sunlight as they open in bright light and close in the evening or on cloudy days.
- The plant can be utilized in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- Gazania can serve as a temporary ground cover for erosion control on slopes or bare patches in a garden landscape until more permanent plants take hold.
- Pressed Gazania flowers can be used in decorative art projects, such as creating unique bookmarks or framed botanical art pieces.
- Due to their vivid color and hardiness, Gazania flowers can be planted in children’s gardens, where they can withstand a bit of rough play and still look appealing.
- These plants can be used as living borders or edges along walkways, where their consistent blooming can mark edges clearly and attractively.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGazania is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGazania is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism: The bright orange color of Gazania flowers symbolizes a positive outlook and cheerfulness.
- Endurance: Gazanias open up in full sun and can tolerate harsh conditions, representing resilience and the ability to endure challenges.
- Adaptability: As they close at night and reopen with the morning light, Gazanias demonstrate adaptability and the capacity for change.
- Vibrancy: The lively appearance of these flowers often signifies an energetic and spirited attitude towards life.
- Transience: Since Gazanias open and close with the sun, they can remind us of the transient nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment.
WaterTreasure Flowers should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In hotter, drier climates, they may need to be watered more frequently. When watering, apply approximately one gallon of water per square foot of soil, which should suffice to thoroughly saturate the root zone. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce the frequency to only when the soil appears dry, as overwatering can lead to root rot. It's important to avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can encourage fungal diseases.
LightTreasure Flowers thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for these plants is an area where they can receive unobstructed sunlight from morning until evening. Limited exposure to partial shade is tolerable, but too much shade will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureTreasure Flowers prefer warm temperatures and perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit but will not survive a hard frost. For optimal growth, they should not be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.
PruningTreasure Flowers benefit from deadheading, which involves removing faded or dead blossoms to encourage continuous blooming. Pruning should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. The best time for more extensive pruning is in the early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged growth from the winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGazanias thrive in light, sandy soil that has good drainage. For Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange', a mix of two-thirds sandy soil and one-third compost or peat moss can be ideal. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.8.
RepottingGazanias, including the 'Daybreak Bright Orange', generally do not need to be repotted often as they are perennial in warmer climates and treated as annuals in cooler regions. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container, which may be every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingGazanias like 'Daybreak Bright Orange' prefer a dry climate and do not require high humidity. They are drought-tolerant and can thrive in low humidity conditions typical of arid and semi-arid regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' in bright, direct light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleGazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange' begins life as a seed, typically sown in early spring. Once germinated, the plant develops into a seedling with a basic root system and a set of true leaves. As the seedling matures, it forms a rosette of long, narrow leaves and begins to develop flower buds. The Gazania's peak flowering period occurs in the summer when its bright orange daisy-like flowers fully open, usually in the morning, to attract pollinators. Post-pollination, the flowers will set seeds for the next generation, completing the reproductive cycle. After setting seeds or when cold weather arrives, the plant enters a period of dormancy and may die back, especially if it experiences frost or freezing conditions, although in some milder climates, Gazanias can behave as perennials, regrowing from the base the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Gazania 'Daybreak Bright Orange’ is by seed. Gardeners typically sow the seeds in early spring, under cover if in cooler climates, to ensure they have a long growing season. The seeds should be lightly pressed onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, maintaining a temperature around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are strong enough and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors into the garden or into containers.
