Daisy Delights: Tips For A Thriving English Daisy Garden

The English daisy plant is a vibrant and perky flowering plant that brings spring cheer to the garden. Originally from Europe, these pretty flowers can now be found in many nations and are a treat to the spring garden. These petite to medium size pom-poms like flowers pop into bloom in March or April, and just in time when your garden could use a burst of color.

Depending on geography, English daisies may be seen as a welcome harbinger or vigorous flowers that will take over the garden and are sometimes considered a weed. Another name for the English daisy is lawn daisy because of its ability to grow in lawns and become mildly invasive in some areas. And because English daisies can thrive in mild environments, they may be hard to control, and it is best for container gardening.

What Are English Daisy

English Daisy (Bellis perennis) is a small, perennial flowering plant native to Europe. Known for its charming appearance, it features low-growing rosettes of spoon-shaped, dark green leaves and white, pink, or purple-petaled flowers with yellow centers. Commonly found in lawns and gardens, it symbolizes simplicity and beauty.

English Daisy (Bellis Perennis) Care Guide

The English daisy plants are biennial, which means they will germinate and produce foliage in the first year and then bloom the next spring. It won't bloom in the third season, but they do self-seed and set for future blooms. If you are looking to add colors to your garden, purchasing it from a gardener or nursery is the quickest option. And if you wish to grow English daisy plants from seed, sow the English daisy seeds in spring or early summer.

Light Requirement

English daisy thrives in four to six hours of daily sun to partial shade. If you live in the hotter zone, the plant would appreciate the morning sun and afternoon shade. This will keep them blooming longer. Some may slow during hot summers and return when the weather cools in later summer or fall.

Soil Conditions

English daisies (Bellis perennis) thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. They prefer soil rich in organic matter and moisture-retentive but not waterlogged. Loamy or sandy soils are suitable. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and maintain healthy growth.

Water Requirement

English daisy plants prefer consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. They require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. English daisy plants can't tolerate drought conditions and will need a regular watering schedule to stay in bloom. The daisies appreciate cool and moist soil but not a soggy condition.

Temperature And Humidity

English daisies thrive in cool to temperate climates. They prefer moderate temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C). These plants do not do well in extreme heat, and they may wither or go dormant in hot summer weather. As for humidity, they can tolerate a range, but they generally prefer moderate humidity levels. Avoid excessively high humidity as it can lead to diseases like mildew, and ensure good air circulation in the growing area to maintain optimal conditions for English daisies.

Fertilizer

English daisy plants are not heavy feeders and will extract what they need from the rich soil. If you are growing the English daisy in rock gardens with poor soil conditions, apply a slow-releasing all-purpose flower fertilizer in early spring.

Potting And Repotting

Potting and repotting English daisies (Bellis perennis) is straightforward. Select a well-draining container with drainage holes at least 6-8 inches in diameter. Fill it with a suitable potting mix enriched with organic matter. Plant seeds or transplants, leaving space for growth. Ensure they receive partial to full sun and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Monthly fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season promotes healthy growth. Repot every 2-3 years to prevent root-bound conditions, using a slightly larger pot and fresh potting mix. Regular maintenance, including deadheading, encourages prolific blooming in these delightful, compact flowers.

Propagating English Daisies

In cool summer regions, English daisies will propagate themselves. Take advantage of your exuberance plant by digging and dividing the plants in spring or early fall.

English daisies (Bellis perennis) can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, division, and cuttings. Here's how to propagate them:

Propagation from Seeds:

1. Collect seeds from mature English daisy plants after they have finished flowering.
2. Prepare a seedbed or small containers filled with a well-draining potting mix in early spring or late summer.
3. Scatter the seeds evenly on the soil surface and lightly press them down.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Seedlings should emerge in a couple of weeks.
6. Once they have a few leaves, transplant them to their desired location, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.

Propagation from Division:

1. Divide established English daisy clumps in early spring or late summer when the plant is not in active bloom.
2. Carefully dig up the clump, trying not to damage the roots.
3. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each containing roots and shoots.
4. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil, spacing them apart as needed.
5. Water thoroughly after replanting.

Propagation from Cuttings:

1. Take 3-4 inch long stem cuttings from healthy English daisy plants in late spring or early summer.
2. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in a container with a well-draining potting mix.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide some shade to prevent wilting.
5. After a few weeks, once the cuttings have been rooted and established, transplant them into their permanent location.

Pruning

English daisies are low maintenance and don't need pruning or deadheading. But if you do remove the old bloom, the plant will put its energy into producing more blooms or seeds. If the plant stops blooming, it is due to high temperature.

Common Pests And Diseases

Pest

Common pests on English daisies include aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites, leafhoppers, caterpillars, thrips, and nematodes. These pests can damage foliage, weaken plants, and hinder healthy growth, requiring vigilance and appropriate pest management strategies in gardens and landscapes.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of plants. It thrives in humid conditions and can weaken the plant by hindering photosynthesis. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around your English daisies, avoid overcrowding, and water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Fungicidal treatments may be necessary in severe cases.

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a common fungal disease characterized by dark spots or lesions on the leaves. It can be caused by various pathogens. To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy infected plant material, maintain proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can facilitate its spread.

Root Rot

Overly wet or waterlogged soil conditions typically cause root rot. It affects the roots, making them brown and mushy. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil drains well and that your English daisies are not sitting in waterlogged conditions. Plant them in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Rust

Rust is another fungal disease that can affect English daisies, appearing as orange or brown pustules on leaves and stems. Rust can weaken the plant and reduce its aesthetic appeal. To manage rust, remove and dispose of infected plant material, and consider using fungicides if the infection is severe.

How To Remove English Daisy From the Garden

When grown in the ground, English daisies can be invasive and vigorous flowers as they thrive in mild conditions and grow like a weed. To eliminate the entire plant, you must remove the entire root system. Otherwise, flowers can return.

Best Companion Plants With English Daisy

The best companion plants with English daisies in your garden are other early Spring flowers that appreciate cool weather, like pansies, dianthus, snapdragons, and violets.

Varieties Of English Daisy

The 'Galaxy' English Daisy

The 'Galaxy' is a variety of English daisies that produce white, red, or pink flowers with a yellow center.

'Pomponette' English Daisy

Bellis 'Pomponette' is a variety of red, pink, and white-colored daisies in a spherical shape and quilled petals.

'Tasso Pink' English Daisy

Bellis 'Tasso Pink' is an heirloom variety with light pink blooms that grow to 6 inches tall.

'Habanera Mix' English Daisy

Bellis 'habanera mix produces large white, pink, or red poms with darker shaded color edges and a swirl of petals in the middle. This type of English daisy grows 6 inches tall.