Bellis

( BELL - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennial flowers is often treated as an annual, and is commonly referred to as English Daisy. They need shade in the hottest climates, but otherwise can take some sunshine. They need regular water, and their flowers attract bees. English Daisies are native to Europe and Asia Minor, and grow best in zones 1-9 and 14-24. ​To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

bellis species and varietals


Bellis annua (Annual Daisy)
This species is native to an area that stretches from the Mediterranean over through parts of Iran, and is a plant with small leaves and flowers.

Bellis azorica
Endemic to the Azores in Portugal, this species

Bellis bernardii (Corsican Daisy)
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Bellis cordifolia
Endemic to Spain

Bellis microcephala (Bellis annua microcephala)
This species is also known as a subspecies of Bellis annua, and is endemic to areas in western Europe and north Africa.

Bellis pappulosa 
Native to France, Algeria, Morocco and Spain, this species is similar to Bellis sylvestris, though it has scaled pappus. 

Bellis perennis (Bone Flower, Bruisewort, Woundwort, Mary's Rose, Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, English Daisy)
This commonly grown species is considered to be the archetypal species of plants with the name 'Daisy'. These plants frequently pop up in lawns and are notoriously hard to get rid of, hence the common name Lawn Daisy. They spread via creeping rhizome, and reach 8 inches tall when not mown. Flowers are white and bloom in March through September. Young leaves can be eaten as salad greens, and flower buds and petals can be used in sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Bellis rotundifolia (Round-Leaf Daisy)
Native to Algeria and Morocco.

Bellis sylvestris (Southern Daisy)
Native to central and southern Europe, this species of Bellis reaches just 6 inches tall and prefers woodland environments (hence the specific epithet, sylvestris). 

​Leaves on these flowers are dark green and about 1-2 inches long. The flowers themselves can be pink, rose, red, or white, and bloom atop a 3-6 inch tall stem. Bloom periods are longer where weather is cool and if the spent flowers are dead-headed regularly. These flowers do great when planted in front of tulips; and are wonderful for containers.

Caring for Bellis




Harvesting Bellis
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Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 192, Bellis perennis (English Daisy)
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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