African Daisy, Goldentuft Daisy
pallenis maritima
Also known as: ["Asteriscus maritimus","Bellis maritima"]
Overview
A low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial with yellow daisy-like flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Pallenis |
| Botanical Name: | Pallenis maritima |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, coastal landscapes, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or gritty soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in spring or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates coastal conditions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense midday sun; suitable for coastal or sandy environments.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun lover; coastal tolerant; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.0).
Ensure fast drainage; add grit if soil is heavy; maintain slightly alkaline pH.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); prefers hot, dry climates.
Protect from frost; thrive in warmth; avoid extreme heat exposure.
Fertilizing
every 3 months during active growth with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Use sparingly; fertilize in spring/summer only; dilute to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, bright indirect light; high humidity (e.g., using a propagation dome).
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and sand.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp pruners; keep cuttings warm and humid; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or shear lightly to shape.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; place in a pot 1 size larger.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound, typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure drainage; handle roots gently; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturating the soil. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add sand, perlite, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in cold; leaf drop or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Susceptible to frost damage; growth slows or halts below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in cold climates; provide a warm, dry environment.
Hot Stress
Can suffer from heat stress in extreme temperatures, leading to wilting or leaf scorch.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; ensure adequate water without overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPallenis maritima is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPallenis maritima is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPallenis maritima is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Pallenis maritima be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires watering only during prolonged dry periods.
Q: Does Pallenis maritima attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its bright yellow flowers.
Q: Can Pallenis maritima be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers but requires well-draining soil and full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 10–14 days, allowing s |
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