Daisy

bellis perennis

Also known as: ["English daisy","common daisy","lawn daisy"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Bellis Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herbaceous plant with characteristic white petals and yellow centers, native to Europe and naturalized in many other regions.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Bellis
Botanical Name: Bellis perennis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to dappled light in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place in partial shade during peak summer.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or root rot indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plants for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days, or when top inch of soil is dry

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not waterlogged; amend with organic matter; maintain slightly acidic pH.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); tolerates light frost but prefers mild conditions.

Protect from extreme heat and cold; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid drafts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Apply fertilizer after watering; stop feeding in fall; use a balanced formula for best results.

Propagation

Methods

Division or stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings or divide clumps.
  2. Plant in moist medium.
  3. Keep warm and humid.
  4. Transplant once rooted.

Best Time: Early spring or after flowering.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but can speed up root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Use sharp, clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead leaves and stems with clean, sharp scissors; avoid cutting into healthy growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged foliage to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.

Tools

Pruning shears, scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Use clean tools; remove dead foliage; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger than the current one (1–2 inches wider).

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a month.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture daily; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to deliver water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage; mix in perlite or sand if soil is heavy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in severe cases.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid overwatering in cold conditions; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).

Hot Stress

Causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Bellis perennis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Bellis perennis is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced nutrient uptake and plant vitality.

Leaf spots on Bellis perennis are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, can occur in Bellis perennis due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Bellis perennis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested or touched by cats.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While non-toxic, monitor your pet if they consume any plant material to ensure no unexpected reactions occur.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Bellis perennis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested or touched by dogs.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While non-toxic, monitor your pet if they consume any plant material to ensure no unexpected reactions occur.
Humans
Non-toxic

Bellis perennis, commonly known as the daisy, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has no significant toxic effects or physiological impact when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any plant material unless it is confirmed to be safe for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Bellis perennis toxic to pets?

A: No, Bellis perennis is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How often should I water Bellis perennis?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Bellis perennis attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, or when top
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Surinam Lettuce
View
Lemonade Coreopsis
View
California brittlebush
View
Silversword
View