Gazania Gazania 'Northbourne'
ABOUT
Gazania 'Northbourne' is a vibrant and showy flowering plant known for its bold and striking features. The plant sports daisy-like flowers, which encapsulate an array of radiant colors often with striking patterns. The petals can exhibit shades ranging from bright yellows to deep oranges and rich reds, and they frequently feature a dramatic contrast with a darker stripe running through the middle of each petal—a characteristic which helps to accentuate the star-like appearance of the flowers. The center of the flower is typically a darker shade, adding depth and an eye-catching focal point to the bloom. The blooms open to greet the sun, spreading wide during the day, and often closing at night or during overcast conditions. Surrounding the flowers are the leaves, which are narrow and lance-shaped with a slightly glossy texture. The foliage might present itself in green hues, sometimes with silvery or grayish undertones, adding a soft backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant tones of the flowers themselves. Gazania 'Northbourne' has a growth habit that is typically clumping, forming neat and compact mounds which showcase the flowers prominently above the foliage. The attractive and resilient nature of this plant, along with its colorful presence, makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to inject a splash of color into their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Treasure Flower, African Daisy
Common names
Gazania 'Northbourne'.
ToxicityTo humans
Gazania is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is little information suggesting that ingestion of this plant causes serious harm, but as with any plant material, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Care should be taken to avoid ingestion and to keep the plant out of reach of small children who might be tempted to eat it.
To pets
Gazania is also not considered to be toxic to pets. It is not commonly reported to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs. However, individual pets may have different sensitivities, and the ingestion of non-food items can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large amounts. It is always best practice to discourage pets from eating any type of plants and monitor them for any signs of illness.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Spread
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Gazania is well-suited for dry climates as it is highly tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners with limited time.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers of Gazania attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Sun Lover: Gazania thrives in full sunlight, making it perfect for sunny gardens and landscapes.
- Versatile Use: It can be used in various garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
- Long Blooming Season: Gazania has a prolonged flowering period that lasts from early summer to fall.
- Vibrant Colors: The plant boasts striking flowers in a range of colors, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of garden spaces.
- Easy Propagation: Gazania can be readily propagated from seeds or cuttings, making it easy to expand your garden or share with others.
- Tolerant of Poor Soils: It can grow in less fertile soils, which reduces the need for soil amendments and fertilizers.
- Coastal Gardening: With tolerance to salt and sandy soils, Gazania is well-suited for coastal landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gazania petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabric and paper crafting, providing a range of warm colors from the flowers.
- The leaves of Gazania can be infused in water to create a scented rinse for use in hair care, imparting a delicate fragrance.
- Pressed Gazania flowers can be used in decorative arts such as resin jewelry, bookmarks, and framed botanical art.
- Gazania blossoms are edible and can add a splash of color and mild flavor to green salads or as an eye-catching garnish on desserts.
- Dried Gazania flowers can serve as environmentally friendly confetti for weddings or celebrations, offering a biodegradable alternative to synthetic confetti.
- Gazania petals can be used in potpourri mixes to provide a visual element in the mix, although they have minimal scent when dried.
- Gazania can be planted in outdoor pet areas as a non-toxic ground cover, offering both visual appeal and safety for pets.
- In photography or art classes, Gazania can be used as a subject for practising macro photography and botanical illustration.
- Gazania flowers can be used in the craft of flower pounding, where the petals are hammered to transfer their color directly onto fabric or paper.
- The silhouettes of Gazania flowers and leaves can be used in sun print paper projects to create interesting patterns and designs with sunlight.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gazania is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gazania is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Diversity: Gazanias are admired for their stunning, multicolored petals, symbolizing the diversity and beauty found in the natural world.
- Perseverance: As a plant that thrives in tough conditions and blooms under bright sunlight, gazanias represent perseverance and the ability to succeed despite challenges.
- Optimism and Joy: The bright and cheerful flowers of gazanias are often associated with positivity, inducing feelings of joy and optimism.
- Attraction: Gazanias might be used to symbolize attraction, with their vibrant colors serving as a natural magnet for both pollinators in the wild and admirers in gardens.
WaterTreasure flowers, commonly known as Gazanias, require moderate watering. During the growing season, water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, approximately once a week. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this interval may vary. A good method is to pour water slowly at the base of the plant until it begins to run out of the bottom of the pot if potted, which indicates sufficient saturation. Over the course of a week, they typically need around 1 gallon of water for outdoor garden plants, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
LightTreasure flowers thrive in full sunlight and should be situated where they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. The ideal spot for these plants is in an open area, away from tall structures or trees that might cast shade. They perform best and produce the most blooms when exposed to bright, unfiltered light throughout the day.
TemperatureTreasure flowers prefer warm temperatures and cope well with heat. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F but not for prolonged periods. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 50°F and 75°F, which encourages healthy growth and flowering. However, they can tolerate higher temperatures up to 90°F, especially when adequate water is provided.
PruningTreasure flowers require minimal pruning, primarily to deadhead spent blooms and encourage further flowering. This can be done every few weeks during the blooming season. The best time for any significant pruning or to cut back the plant to shape it is in the late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTreasure Flower prefers well-draining soil with a mix of sand for good drainage, peat for moisture retention, and garden soil for nutrients. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingTreasure Flower should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot to ensure continued health and blooming.
Humidity & MistingTreasure Flower thrives in low to average humidity conditions and is tolerant of dry air, making it well-suited to typical outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun and well-draining soil for indoor Treasure Flowers.
Outdoor
In sunny spots, plant in well-draining soil; water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleGazania 'Northbourne,' commonly known as treasure flower, begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in warm, well-drained soil and exposed to sunlight, will germinate. The seedling then emerges, developing true leaves and establishing a root system. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, forming a rosette of tough, lance-shaped leaves and gradually expanding in size. During the flowering stage, Gazania 'Northbourne' produces daisy-like blooms in a variety of bright colors, with each flower head perched on a tall stalk above the foliage. After pollination, typically involving insects, seeds develop and are dispersed, enabling new plants to begin the next generation. As a perennial in warmer climates, Gazania 'Northbourne' may continue to grow and bloom for several years, while in colder regions, it is often cultivated as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Gazania, commonly known as Treasure Flower, is through seed sowing. The best time to propagate Gazanias from seeds is in late winter to early spring, when the soil can be warmed up by the sun. Sow the seeds indoors in a tray filled with a well-draining seed starting mix, covering them lightly with a thin layer of soil. The seeds need light to germinate, so placing the tray in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight is essential. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves and there is no risk of frost, they can be transplanted outdoors in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
