Treasure flower Gazania 'Dorothy'
ABOUT
Gazania 'Dorothy' is an eye-catching flowering plant known for its vibrant and showy blossoms. The flowers of this Gazania are its most striking feature, with each bloom showcasing a brilliant array of colors. The petals often exhibit a bold gradient, transitioning from a warm, fiery orange at the base to a soft, creamy yellow towards the tips, creating a sunburst effect reminiscent of a sunset. The center of each flower is typically marked with a darker, richly contrasting hue that helps highlight the intricate design of the petals. The flowers open up with the sunlight in a daisy-like fashion. The foliage of Gazania 'Dorothy' is also notable, providing a lush backdrop for the bright blossoms. The leaves are generally spoon-shaped with a deep green color on the top side and a silvery, felt-like underside, which adds to the texture of the plant. This combination of stunning flowers and attractive foliage makes Gazania 'Dorothy' a popular choice for adding splashes of color to garden beds, borders, and containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Treasure Flower, African Daisy
Common names
Gazania 'Dorothy'.
ToxicityTo humans
Gazania 'Dorothy', commonly known as Treasure Flower, is not listed as a toxic plant to humans. There is no substantial evidence in the literature that suggests Treasure Flower poses a threat when touched or ingested. As with any plant, individual allergies or reactive conditions could cause mild irritation, but generally, Treasure Flower is considered safe around humans.
To pets
Treasure Flower, the common name for Gazania 'Dorothy', is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants commonly recognized as poisonous to dogs, cats, or other household pets. As with all plant materials, ingestion can sometimes cause mild stomach upset due to the digestion of non-typical food, but there are no specific toxic effects documented for Treasure Flower.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Gazania flowers are highly drought-tolerant, making them suitable for water-wise gardens or regions with low rainfall.
- Vibrant Colors: Gazanias offer a range of vivid colors that can brighten up any garden space.
- Low Maintenance: These plants require minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and deadheading.
- Attracts Pollinators: Gazanias attract bees and butterflies, which helps with the pollination of nearby plants.
- Adaptability: Gazania is adaptable to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Long Blooming Season: Gazanias have a lengthy blooming period from spring to fall, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Ground Cover: They can function as a ground cover, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weeds.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and containers, Gazanias are versatile for balcony and patio gardening.
- Heat Resistance: Gazania can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for hot and sunny climates.
- Coastal Gardening: They are salt-tolerant and can be used in coastal gardens where other plants may struggle.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gazania 'Dorothy' can be used as a natural fabric dye, offering a range of colors from the petals to create unique textile designs.
- The water-resistant leaves of Gazania can be used in floral arrangements to add texture and a unique look without wilting.
- Gazania can be planted in outdoor pet areas as a non-toxic ground cover that withstands pet activity and adds color to the space.
- The brightness of Gazania flowers can serve as a natural indicator for garden health, often closing when conditions are not ideal.
- These plants can be used as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture in garden beds.
- Gazanias can be used in sensory gardens due to their tactile and vibrant blooms that appeal to touch and sight.
- The sturdy nature of Gazania makes them suitable for planting in gaps between paving stones, where they can thrive with minimal soil.
- In coastal areas, Gazania can be used for dune stabilization, as their root systems help to hold the sand in place.
- Planted in containers, Gazania can be used as a portable garden accent that can be moved to different spots as needed.
- Gazania flowers can act as a natural pest deterrent; some gardeners suggest they help keep rabbits and other small animals away due to their taste.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Gazania is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gazania is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Simplicity: The Gazania, with its bright and bold flowers, symbolizes the allure of natural beauty and the straightforwardness found within simplicity.
- Optimism and Positivity: Often opening with the sunlight, Gazanias represent positivity and the ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures.
- Diversity and Variety: With various colors and patterns, Gazanias embody the diversity of the world and the idea that differences should be celebrated.
- Treasure and Wealth: Sometimes referred to as "treasure flowers," Gazanias can symbolize richness and abundance, not just in material wealth but in spiritual and emotional prosperity as well.
WaterTreasure Flowers, commonly known as Gazanias, should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent over-watering and root rot. In general, water every 7 to 10 days with approximately 8 to 16 ounces per plant, adjusting for climate and weather conditions. During hot or windy weather, they may need more frequent watering, while in cooler temperatures, watering can be reduced. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging the soil, as Gazanias are drought-tolerant and prefer drier conditions.
LightTreasure Flowers thrive best in full sun, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform well when positioned in a south-facing location that gets unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, which helps to promote abundant blooms and healthy growth.
TemperatureTreasure Flowers prefer warm temperatures and are suitable for growth in USDA zones 9-11. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 30°F but thrive best when daytime temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F. They may suffer or fail to bloom if exposed to prolonged periods below freezing or extreme heat above 90°F.
PruningTreasure Flowers should be pruned to remove dead flowers and encourage further blooming. As a guideline, pruning should occur once the blooms have faded, typically in late summer or as needed. This not only maintains a tidy appearance but also stimulates new growth and prolongs the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTreasure flowers require well-draining soil with a pH range from 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mixture for Gazania 'Dorothy' would include a mix of loamy soil, peat, and sharp sand to ensure good drainage. Adding compost or other organic matter can help with soil fertility.
RepottingTreasure flowers, like Gazania 'Dorothy', generally do not need to be repotted often. They can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it's evident that the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingTreasure flowers like Gazania 'Dorothy' are tolerant of dry conditions and do best in lower humidity environments. They do not require high humidity and can thrive in average ambient humidity levels typical in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, and use well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, use well-draining soil, and water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Gazania 'Dorothy', also commonly referred to as Treasure Flower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and given adequate sunlight and warmth, germinates, typically in the spring. Once the seedling emerges, it grows into a juvenile plant, developing a rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. As it matures, the Gazania 'Dorothy' produces a sturdy stem that supports daisy-like flowers, with vibrant, striking color patterns, usually blooming in the summer. The flowers attract pollinators, which are necessary for the plant to produce seeds. After the blooming period and pollination, seeds form and are eventually dispersed, either by wind, animal activity, or human intervention. At the end of the growing season, especially in regions with cold winters, the Gazania 'Dorothy' plant may die back, but it can reemerge from its roots or from the new seedlings in the next growing season if the conditions are right.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Gazania 'Dorothy', commonly known as Treasure Flower, is propagated most effectively through seed sowing. The optimal time for sowing Gazania seeds is during late winter to early spring, providing seedlings enough time to grow strong before the warmer days of spring and summer. To propagate, seeds should be lightly covered with soil and spaced adequately to allow for proper growth. They require a sunny location and well-drained soil, with a germination time that typically ranges between 7 to 14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle and have developed several true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing positions, ideally spaced about 10 to 12 inches (approximately 25 to 30 centimeters) apart to provide ample growing space.
